Manila Standard - 2020 October 02 - Friday

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PHILHEALTH SALE OPPOSED

By Maricel V. Cruz and Willie ship. Even if you’re not a member, if you go to the hospital, you’ll immediCasas PHILIPPINE Health Insurance Corp.

President and CEO Dante Gierran on Thursday opposed a proposal to privatize the state health insurer.

“If we privatize PhilHealth, what would happen to our members? … We have what we call outright member-

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ately become a member. We also have outright eligibility. Where would we get this if we privatize it?” Gierran said at a House hearing Thursday.

Gierran said privatizing Philhealth sends the wrong signal to the public that government officials are incapable Next page

Cops, LGUs told: Bar minors from Net shops

By Willie Casas THE Joint Task Force Covid Shield on Thursday ordered police to coordinate with local officials in reminding computer shop owners to comply with quarantine protocols and to bar minors from entry amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reminder comes ahead of the opening of classes in public schools through blended learning on Oct. 5.

“We understand that a number of elementary and high school students in the public schools do not have computers, laptops and other gadgets for Next page

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM OCTOBER 1)

314,079 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

2,415 54,294 NEW

ACTIVE

5,562

59

254,223

771

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

NEW

FIERY NIGHT. The sky turns

amber Wednesday night as fire razes a residential area in Sampaloc district of Manila, displacing 50 families. Firemen and residents join forces to put the fire out. Norman Cruz

‘Speakership row ends with quit-bid rejection’

Palace exec: They have already selected a leader; budget OK next

By Maricel V. Cruz, Vito Barcelo and Rio N. Araja

A

S FAR as Malacañang is concerned, the speakership row at the House of Representatives is “over” for now and lawmakers should focus on the passage of the proposed P4.5 trillion national budget for 2021.

“The controversy is already over and the President has repeatedly appealed for Congress to pass the COVID-19 budget on time,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a press briefing Thursday.

“They have already selected a leader,” Roque told Manila Standard in a separate phone interview, referring to the decision of the majority of the congressmen to reject the resignation offer of Speaker

MURAL LESSON. Young vendors walk past a colorful wall mural showing the Philippine flag and several characters donning protective gear serving as a reminder for people to guard against the corona virus disease-19 along Guam St, Barangay La Paz in Makati City on Oct.1, 2020. Norman Cruz

Polls: Face mask use waning

By Willie Casas and Othel V. Campos

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FOR APOR ONLY. Passengers wear face masks and face shields and observe proper social distancing aboard the Pasig River ferry terminal which starts its operations on Thursday. The MMDA has opened two more Pasig River ferry stations in Hulo, Mandaluyong and Sta. Ana, Manila to cater to authorized persons outside residence (APOR) for free under the general community quarantine. Norman Cruz

Modified GCQ likely if cases decline—Roque MALACANANG is not ruling out the possibility that Metro Manila, where there are 13 million residents and workers, may shift to a modified general community quarantine next month.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque told a press conference in Bataan this was not impossible since he claimed

Alan Cayetano Wednesday.

Asked if the President was no longer keen on seeing the term-sharing agreement implemented or whether the status quo will hold only until the budget is passed, Roque said Duterte gave no such parameters.

Hours after the vote, Cayetano, his wife, Taguig City Rep. Lani, and his sister, Senator Pia, trooped

By Vito Barcelo

LEARNING MODULES. Village staff members sort out learning modules to be

distributed to parents and guardians at Barangay Salitran 3, Dasmarinas City on Thursday (Oct.1, 2020. Public school students who have no access to the internet will be receiving printed modules for the opening of classes on Oct. 5.

Why some virus-hit people wind up in ICU

WHILE 79 percent of Filipinos always used a face mask when going out – part of health protocols during the pandemic – the practice of using the mask declined in Metro Manila, down by 13 points from 90 percent, according to a special survey by the Social Weather

600m fan out as China marks holiday

COVID-19 patients with a snippet of Neanderthal DNA that crossed into the human genome some 60,000 years ago run a higher risk of severe complications from the disease, researchers have reported.

People infected with the new coronavirus, for example, who carry the genetic coding bequeathed by our early human cousins are

HUNDREDS of millions in China hustled to enjoy their first major national holiday since the country beat its coronavirus outbreak, filling airports and train stations on Thursday.

The Golden Week holiday marks the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and sees an astonishing annual movement of people trying to

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Stations (SWS).

The survey, from Sept. 17 to Sept. 20, found that in the past month, 79 percent of Filipinos wore a face mask when going out of their house rose from 76 percent in July and 77 percent in May. But those who “always” follow the protocols declined in Metro Manila.

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Senators find ways to avoid budget cuts

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Rio N. Araja and Maricel V. Cruz SENATE Finance Committee chairperson Senator Sonny Angara said his committee will favorably consider ‘at Next page

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Senators call for bank fee freeze

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

tional Bank, China Banking Corp., and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. had abandoned their plan to start charging inter-bank fund transfer fees from Oct. 1.

These banks, which are among the 10 of the largest in terms of assets, have joined 26 other commercial banks and e-money issuers in suspending fees on the use of both Instapay and PESONet until Dec. 31, based on the list released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as of Sept. 30, she said.

“It is commendable that these banks are willing to forgo huge amounts of income just so their online customers will continue to enjoy relief from the payment of fund transfer fees and encourage them more to use a safe and convenient digital payment system during this time of pandemic,” Herrera said.

Among the fees Marcos wants postponed longer are service charges of 15

pesos for money transfers, 20 pesos for over-the-counter transactions and for cash withdrawals via Mastercard, and fintech fees of 1 percent to 2 percent on cash-in and over-the-counter transactions of P8,000 and above.

Owners of small online businesses that have barely started have complained that the sudden introduction of fees makes it more difficult for them to cope with the economic crisis.

Some 75,000 online businesses are registered in the country and use the services of almost 200 fintech companies that deal in money lending, bill payments, digital wallets, and remittances.

For his part, Angara said several banks and mobile money services resumed their collection of fees in spite of an appeal by the BSP for them to extend their waiver for PESONet and InstaPay transactions.

Thursday said the speakership position was “disgusting to the core.”

“The House of Representatives’ squabble over the speakership position is disgusting to the core. It is the lowest of the low. Amid a pandemic that caused widespread hunger, unemployment and death, the House members’ bitter quarrel over pork barrel allotments and leadership positions is bordering on the criminal,” she said.

She said President Rodrigo Duterte’s lack of moral suasion over his super majority in Congress is also appalling.

“There is nothing good and honorable about this spectacle. It is simply a power struggle between one camp against the other involving nothing of principle and of benefit to the people,” Rosales said.

Sources privy to the meeting with the President said both Cayetano and Velasco used their birthdays to set the date for a possible turnover. Cayetano insisted on staying until the end of October, saying “I want to still be the speaker when I celebrate my 50th birthday on Oct. 28.”

Velasco reportedly countered that he wanted to be speaker when he celebrates his 43rd birthday on Nov. 9.

In a Facebook post, Velasco addressed the speaker.

“To Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, it was only last night (Tuesday night) when you promised to resign on Oct. 14 when the President ordered you to honor the term-sharing agreement,”

Velasco said.

“Moreover, the President entrusted you with the task of announcing the date of the turnover. Oct. 14 was chosen as the date for the turnover because we committed to pass the budget before Oct. 14 and do nothing else that would disrupt or derail the process,” added Velasco.

The budget deliberations in the plenary session were suspended until Oct. 2 after Cayetano delivered his unscheduled resignation speech.

Velasco said he was saddened that the budget process was disrupted because of Cayetano’s premature offer to quit his post.

“Instead of focusing on the work at hand, further political maneuverings and theatrics took the budget deliberations hostage. We lost an entire day, and even tomorrow where you have declared that no session will be conducted, which are crucial in meeting our timeline,” Velasco said in his post.

“These attacks and distractions serve no purpose other than to perpetuate what is a purely personal agenda threatening to delay the passage of the budget. This is the truth,” he added.

He also called on his colleagues to continue our work and pass the budget on or before Oct. 14.

“This is the commitment we’ve made before the President, and this is our responsibility to our constituents, to deliver to them a fair and equitable budget,” he said.

sults, saying the majority of Filipinos followed the government’s health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Palace spokesperson Harry Roque said the survey showed that the government’s drive to inform and educate people to observe public health standards had reached the Filipino people.

However, Roque warned that Filipinos should not be lulled into complacency, as there remained no cure or vaccine for COVID-19.

Compared to July, those who always used a face mask rose in the Visayas (86 percent from 82 percent), Mindanao (78 percent from 72 percent) and in Luzon

outside of Manila (76 percent from 72 percent).

Those who always washed their hands also rose in the Visayas (75 percent from 69 percent) and in Luzon outside of Manila (64 percent from 59 percent).

It barely changed in Mindanao (69 percent from 67 percent). But it fell by 10 points in Metro Manila, from 73 percent to 63 percent.

The practice of wearing a face shield when riding public transportation or going to establishments like malls, markets, or drugstores was surveyed by SWS for the first time.

get home or take holidays.

More than 600 million trips will be taken during the holiday, down 20 percent from a year ago, the country’s biggest travel agency, Ctrip, estimated, but they will still force the state railway to lay on 1,000 extra trains a day.

Around 108 million passengers will

take trains during the eight-day holidays – around 13.5 million a day.

They are likely to bring much-needed spending to far-flung parts of China – last year, travelers spent $9.5 billion during the Golden Week.

Many will take luxury holidays at home, travel operator Quanar said, amid global travel restrictions.

This year has added significance, with the crowds filling the concourses pointing to a country rebounding

from the outbreak and parading the freedom to travel as a contrast to the rolling lockdowns hitting much of the world.

“Normally, we would take a family holiday abroad... but this year we opted for a staycation instead,” said Niu Honglin from Shanghai.

Niu booked rooms in a boutique hotel near Shanghai Disneyland but quickly encountered the problem of millions of extra tourists hunting fun at home. AFP

Advanced age, being a man, and preexisting medical problems can all increase the odds of a serious outcome.

But genetic factors can also play a role, as the new findings make clear.

“It is striking that the genetic heritage from Neanderthals has such tragic consequences during the current pandemic,” said co-author Svante Paabo, director of the department of genetics at the Max Planck Institute for Evolution-

ary Anthropology.

Recent research by the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative revealed that a genetic variant in a particular region of chromosome 3 – one of 23 chromosomes in the human genome – is associated with more severe forms of the disease.

That same region was known to harbour genetic code of Neanderthal origins, so Paabo and co-author Hugo Zeberg, also from Max Planck, decided to

look for a link with COVID-19.

They found that a Neanderthal individual from southern Europe carried an almost identical genetic segment, which spans some 50,000 so-called base pairs, the primary building blocks of DNA. Tellingly, two Neanderthals found in southern Siberia, along with a specimen from another early human species that also wandered Eurasia, the Denisovans, did not carry the telltale snippet. AFP

Meanwhile, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) will allow restaurants opened in a dining set-up to operate 24/7 or beyond curfew hours.

Trade and Industry Secretary and IAFT lead Ramon Lopez said the IATF would come up with the draft that would allow establishments to fully open starting October 1, 2020.

“Today we’re finishing the draft to allow sectors and establishments on 50 percent capacity to reopen up to 100 percent, especially the services sector,” he said Thursday.

“But we leave it up to the LGUs to help us determine, especially those LGUs in Metro Manila, as to the extent of reopening of the restaurants with dine-in services,” he added.

Task Force on the Management of the Emerging Infectious Diseases) but also in making sure that this and other rules are strictly and properly observed,” he added.

Internet shops were among the business establishments which were allowed to reopen in September as the government started to ease quarantine restrictions to gradually allow the resumption of business operations and revive the economy.

The Department of Education, on the other hand, said it will push through with the opening of the classes in public schools next week.

Eleazar said internet shops would likely be a go-to place beginning next week as some students and parents start to comply with school requirements.

He said police commanders should start by accounting all the operating computer shops in their respective areas of responsibility and start coordinating with the LGUs down to the barangay level to ensure that the guidelines of both the IATF and the LGUs are observed.

He also appealed to the internet shop owners to do their share in ensuring that their establishments are always disinfected and the rules on health safety are strictly and properly observed.

Ahead of school opening, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines questioned the Department of Education’s claim that 80 percent of self-learning modules (SLMs) had been distributed to learners one week before classes officially open.

S

ENATOR Juan Edgardo Angara on Thursday appealed to the banks and mobile payment systems to suspend the collection of fees for digital transactions while the country was still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the other hand, Sen. Imee Marcos slammed the “token suspension” of fees that banks and financial technology (fintech) companies planned to impose this October, saying it must be extended until the COVID-19 pandemic clearly subsideD. Marcos, who chairs the Senate committee on economic affairs, said that suspending transaction fees until the latter half of next year, when a vaccine could be available, would make a real difference in promoting the growth of small businesses online.

“We made a big push with the help of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to give a 60-day debt moratorium to the public, only to be offset by new charges,” Marcos explained.

In a related development, House Deputy Majority Leader Bernadette Herrera lauded some of the country’s largest banks for heeding the call to extend the waiver of fees for online fund transfers until the end of the year.

Herrera expressed elation that Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. and its subsidiary Philippine Savings Bank, Philippine Na-

PhilHealth...

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‘Speakership...

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of managing the agency.

Gierran’s opposition echoed President Rodrigo Duterte’s earlier pronouncement that he would not want PhilHealth to be run by the private sector.

“Are we telling the people of the Philippines and the world that only individuals in the private sector can work well?

And that people in the government cannot?” Giran told legislators when asked about his thoughts on the issue.

“Wow, I don’t think that is a fair assessment,” added Gierran. “It will send a wrong signal to our people that people in the government cannot be trusted.”

But Rep. Stella Quimbo of Marikina, author of the bill allowing the President to privatize parts of PhilHealth or its entirety during an emergency, said privatizing the state health insurer would not mean that the poor would lose coverage.

“When we say privatize PhilHealth, we’re talking about privatizing the corporation,” Quimbo said. “It doesn’t mean that the government is precluded from subsidizing the premiums of our indigent households.”

The Department of Health (DOH), meanwhile, said the government would ensure that the health care needs of Filipinos will be covered even if PhilHealth is abolished.

Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire made the statement two days after President Rodrigo Duterte suggested abolishing the state health insurer due to massive corruption.

PhilHealth officials have been accused of misusing P15 billion worth of funds under its internal reimbursement mechanism (IRM), which granted advance payment claims to hospitals even if these do not cater to COVID-19 patients.

Per PhilHealth records, only P5.5 billion of the P15 billion IRM has been liquidated.

Since the controversy broke out, the Palace-formed Task Force already recommended the filing of charges against resigned PhilHealth chief Ricardo Morales, Senior Vice President Jovita Aragona, Officer in Charge Calixto Gabuya Jr., SVP Renato Limsiaco Jr., SVP Israel Pargas, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Arnel de Jesus, and Division Chief Bobby Crisostomo over the alleged PhilHealth fund misuse, including that of IRM. The proposed 2021 budget allocated a P71 billion budget for PhilHealth, mostly for the implementation of the Universal Health Care law which provides free health insurance for all Filipinos.

to Malacañang to meet with President Rodrigo Duterte. They were joined by Deputy Speaker Bro. Eddie Villanueva and Senator Christopher Go. “While Bro. Eddie’s purpose was to pray over our President, the President repeated that the leadership issue at the House of Representatives is matter internal to them,” Roque said.

Under a term-sharing agreement brokered by Duterte, Cayetano was to serve 15 months as speaker while Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco would finish the term with 21 months. As the October turnover date approached, however, Cayetano’s allies lobbied heavily to have him remain as speaker and attacked Velasco on several fronts.

Velasco on Thursday fired back at Cayetano, saying his “political maneuverings and theatrics” threatened to derail the passage of the budget measure.

Velasco said Oct. 14 was the date that was agreed upon for the speakership turnover because of Cayetano’s commitment to pass the budget on that day.

To settle the row, Cayetano and Velasco and their respective allies met with the President Tuesday night, after which it was announced that Velasco would take over as speaker.

Akbayan chairperson Etta Rosales on

Why some...

From A1 three times more likely to need mechanical ventilation, according to a study published Wednesday in Nature.

There are many reasons why some people with COVID-19 wind up in intensive care and others have only light symptoms, or none at all.

Senators...

From A1 the proper time’ a proposal of his fellow senators to restore the P44 million budget cut in the proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President for 2021.

He said they will address this concern when the Finance committee tackles the amendments to the P629million budget of the Office of VP Leni Robredo.

“But this early, I think it is clear that the support will be overwhelming for the increase in the budget of the Office of the Vice President,” Angara said.

The members of the Senate present, led by the Minority Leader Franklin

Give commuters free Beep cards, Tugade says

Polls:...

From A1 The number of those who always used face masks in the National Capital Region went down by 13 points from 90 percent to 77 percent.

The survey used mobile phone and computer-assisted telephone interviewing of 1,249 Filipinos 18 years old and above nationwide.

It had a sampling margin of error of plus-or-­minus 3 percent for national percentages.

The Palace welcomed the survey re-

600m fan...

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Drilon, unanimously moved to restore the OVP’s budget request in what Angara described as the “fastest committee hearing of the year.”

Senators Francis Pangilinan, Nancy Binay, Bong Revilla and Lito Lapid also expressed their support for the restoration of the OVP budget to what it submitted to DBM. “We support the manifestation of the minority leader to restore that particular item, and that based on the COA reports and based on the report of the Vice President, clearly, these resources are put to good use and will definitely go a long way and will not go to waste as the track record and the COA reports have shown,” said Pangilinan.

Cops,...

From A1 the opening of classes so there may be some of them who would go to the internet shops for their online classes for the use of computers and to avail internet connections,” said task force commander Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar.

Eleazar reminded computer shop owners of the prohibition on the entry of minors into their establishments.

“Our commanders on the ground should take the lead not only in reminding the internet shop owners that minors should not be allowed to enter in accordance with the guidelines of the IATF (Inter-Agency

TRANSPORTATION Secretary Arthur Tugade has ordered DoTr rail and road sector officials to ensure the consortium which operates the automatic fare collection system in the Metro Manila rail systems and on the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue Busway to give for free the stored value cards or “Beep” cards to commuters once they buy load for the fare.

Tugade lamented that commuters who are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic still needed to shell out an additional P30 to P50 for the price of the Beep card on top of the initial fare load.

“The card should be free. We are still under quarantine measures. Workers who have just returned to work are the main users of the rail system and the Edsa Busway. The amount of P30-P50 that would be charged for the Beep card would be a big help to ordinary workers. They should be spared from the burden of having to pay the price of the Beep card on top of their fares,” Tugade said in a press release.

Tugade and senior officials of the DOTr met on Wednesday to discuss the issue of the Beep card cost which was being passed on to commuters, on top of the fare, or the stored value on the card.

Modified...

From A1 the government had checked the rise of COVID-19 infections and deaths since the total lockdown was imposed in Luzon on March 17.

Roque made the statement after Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, chairperson of the Metro Manila Council, said on Wednesday the National Capital Region’s quarantine status might be downgraded to MGCQ next month if COVID-19 cases continued to decline and the public would observe the minimum health protocols.

MGCQ is the least restrictive in the government’s four-tier quarantine classification system, meaning more businesses will be allowed to operate but public health measures such as wearing of masks and social distancing will remain in effect.

COVID cases Roque’s statement coincided with official reports the Philippines logged on Thursday 2,415 new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, bringing the total to 314,079 in the country.

The Department of Health also reported 771 recoveries, bringing the total number of recoveries to 254,223.

At the same time, the DOH reported 59 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 5,562.

Of the 59 deaths, 37 occurred in September (63 percent), 10 in August (17 percent) 9 in July (15 percent) 1 in June (2 percent) and 2 in April (3 percent).

The Philippines has tested 3,524,282 individuals. There are 105 licensed RT-PCR laboratories and 33 licensed GeneXpert laboratories in the country.

The University of the Philippines OCTA Group estimates total cases to reach 380,000 to 410,000 by the end of October.

Restaurants opening

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Thousands of jobs for workers

By Vito Barcelo THOUSANDS of jobs are being offered online for workers with skills in health care, logistics, information technology, business process management, education and construction, according to the Labor department.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said a number of Filipinos who were affected by the global health crisis were now recovering from the pandemic and looking for jobs in the national capital region.

He says that in the health care and wellness sector, the requirements are increasing for medical doctors, nurses, medical and radiologic technologists, pharmacists, psychologists, medical researchers and writers and wellness trainers and representatives.

Bello says the government through the Department of Health, hired 8,056 health workers out of the 10,693 job openings for doctors, nurses and other health care workers under the emergency hiring program to augment the medical front-liners battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

“They were deployed in public hospitals, diagnostic facilities, isolation and quarantine sites, local government units and other hospitals and COVID-19 referral facilities,” Bello said.

Of this number, nurses account for the highest number of hires by profession at 2,701, followed by medical technologists at 1,356.

Bello also said more than 10,000 job opportunities were open in the business process outsourcing industry such as customer service representatives, technical support staff, frontline/specialists, supervisors, trainers, managers, and others for the human resources and recruitment, finance, information technology and marketing sectors.

The increased demand for workers in the construction sector has also been observed, specifically for heavy equipment operators and safety engineers.

“The government has significant allocation for the Build, Build, Build program of the government in the proposed national budget for 2021, so we could expect more jobs in the construction towards the following year,” Bello said.

FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY. The Commanding General, Philippine Army led the celebration of the 9th Infantry “Spear” Division’s 16th Founding Anniversary on Oct. 1 at Camp Elias Angeles, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur. Lt. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana also commended the unit for its successful operations against Communist Terrorist Groups as well as its initiatives in improving the morale and welfare of its personnel. The Spear Division is responsible for keeping the peace in the Bicol region, evident in the clearing of three guerilla fronts, neutralization of 61 enemy personalities, and the recovery of 108 firearms.

Retooling of workers pushed

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

W

ITH 7 out of 10 Filipino workers at risk of losing their jobs to automation, Senator Joel Villanueva said the upskilling and retooling of workers should be one of the key considerations under the proposed Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or CREATE bill.

Underscoring the inadequacy of job-related training in the country for workers, he cited data from the 2017 Integrated Survey on Labor and Employment conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, which shows that only 3 out of 10 workers in the country receive job-related training.

Senator Christopher Go said the CRE-

ATE bill would achieve faster and equitable regional development and provide economic opportunities in the provinces by encouraging businesses to invest in the countryside.

He said the grant of tax incentives should target the provinces so that investors could invest outside Metro Manila

and more economic opportunities would be made available for the Filipinos living in or moving to the countryside.

Meanwhile, Villanueva said the incentives under CREATE may be inadequate to increase the ratio of workers trained.

“Only a few enterprises may be qualified for the packages of incentives under CREATE, but practically all would greatly benefit from training incentives if they are given the option to have it,” he said.

To encourage employers to provide training for their workers, Villanueva said, he intended to propose expanding the availability of enhanced deductions on training across industries, and ensure smooth processing of businesses’ trainingrelated expenses.

“There are jobs or tasks at risk of automation that are present in almost all industries. By making training less costly, we encourage an enterprise to expose its workers to the other processes involved in the business and to retool or upskill them for the skills needed.

“We encourage the enterprise to give our workers a chance. This way, in fact, we even help the enterprises survive and adapt to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

“Doing so also prepares the economy to better brace itself for the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This sends a policy signal to every Filipino worker and employer, that it is the policy of the state to support continuous investments in human resource and development.”

Undersecretary Perete quits

By Rey E. Requejo JUSTICE Undersecretary Markk Perete on Thursday announced his resignation effectively immediately.

“After much thought, I have decided to submit my resignation from the DOJ effective today due to serious reasons,” said Perete who also served as Justice department spokesman.

“My reasons are very personal and I humbly request for everyone’s under-

standing. Thank you.”

He said he had yet to inform Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra about his resignation.

“I would have liked to continue under Secretary Guevarra’s leadership, but it would be a disservice to do so at this time,” he said.

Before his stint with the DOJ, Perete served as technical assistant at the Office of the President with the rank of assistant secretary for legal affairs.

THIS NO BEEP, NO RIDE. No Beep card, no ride sign served as a reminder for passengers of the Edsa busway at the Guadalupe Station on Sept. 30. The cashless payment transactions will be implemented for the Edsa Carousel Busway System starting Oct. 1. PNA photos by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

Trust fund set for coco farmers

By Macon Ramos-Araneta ABOUT 3.5 million coconut farmers from 68 coconut- producing provinces will benefit if a proposed measure that seeks to create a trust fund by selling assets bought using the coco levy fund is enacted into law, said Senator Cynthia Villar said Thursday.

The Senate passed on second reading Senate Bill 1396, or the “Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act,” in which the government is mandated to sell P75 billion of coconut levy assets in the next five years to create a trust fund for the coconut farmers.

Villar, head of the Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform and principal sponsor of the bill, said the passage of the measure would benefit the coconut farmers owning not more than five hectares who belonged to the poorest sector.

Villar also expressed confidence that the

enactment of the law would be swift as the concerns that caused the veto of the former version of thebill had ball been addressed.

After the enactment of the bill, she says, the Bureau of Treasury will transfer P10 billion to the trust fund in the first year, P10 billion in the second year, P15 billion in the third year, P15 billion in the fourth year and P25 billion in the fifth year.

She said P5 billion of the trust fund would be used for the following programs: • 15 percent for planting and replanting seedlings and producing hybrid coconut seedlings by the PCA. • 5 percent for research and the production of hybrid coconut seedlings by the DOST-PCAARRD • 8 percent for the training of coconut farmers and their families as listed in the coconut farmers’ registry in farm schools through TESDA and Agricultural Training Institute to be shared equally

Marijuana claimant arrested

By Joel E. Zurbano A COMPOSITE team from the Customs Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency - Central Visayas Region, and NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group used a controlled delivery scheme in their operation to arrest the claimant of the shipment in Cebu City.

The claimant Jan Robert Pareles was placed under arrest after receiving the package delivered by “FedEx personnel” at Asmara Urban Resort, 1 Paseo Saturnino Street in Barangay Banilad last Wednesday.

Based on import documents, the shipment was declared as “Shisha”, shipped by a certain Richard Mrozek of Spain and consigned to a certain Mateo Abato of Cebu City.

The cargo arrived at Federal Express Warehouse in Pasay City on Sept. 18. It was found to contain kush marijuana through profiling conducted by Customs NAIA agents.

The Customs bureau immediately coordinated with its office in Cebu, PDEA in Region 7, and FedEx management to organize an entrapment operation to apprehend the consignee and the owner of the controlled shipment.

Food security Program praised

By Rio N. Araja THE Commission on Human Rights on

Thursday praised the commitment of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to give priority to food security and food production while addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With or without the pandemic, the Commission is in full support of strategies that are geared towards eradicating hunger and achieving food security in the country,” group spokesman Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.

“We have previously expressed concern over the impacts of COVID-19 on the nutrition status of Filipinos, and continuously underscored the State’s responsibility to ensure respect, protection and promotion of the human right to food and all related human rights in decisions taken to contain the pandemic.”

De Guia reacted to the pronouncement of IATF-EID Chairman Karlo Nograles on the government’s plan to roll out its national food policy this month, alongside the government’s COVID-19 response.

“In adopting such policy, we urge our line agencies to guarantee that all facets of the implementation are coherent with the principles of economic, social and cultural rights, and ensure that these actions do not have discriminatory effect, especially on the most marginalized and disadvantaged sectors of society,” De Guia said.

2021 DOLE BUDGET: Secretary Silvestre Bello III presents before the Finance

Subcommittee hearing Thursday the proposed 2021 budget of the Department of Labor and Employment, which increased by 53.7 percent from this year’s P17.9 billion to next year’s P27.5 billion. Albert Calvelo/Senate PRIB

Maynilad intensifies cleanup crive

By Rio N. Araja IN support of the Manila Bay rehabilitation program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, west zone Maynilad Water Services Inc. has intensified its sewer connection and septic tank cleaning drive.

From January 2019 to August this year, Maynilad connected over 32,000 additional customers to its sewerage system, including households and establishments located along waterways that drain into Manila Bay. The water firm was able to convince more customers to connect to the sewer network.

Also for the same period, Maynilad provided septic tank cleaning services to

some 1.6 million customers from North Caloocan down to Cavite.

Around 317,000 cubic meters of sewage had been collected and treated by the company since the start of 2019.

“As we continue to implement our sewerage and sanitation services under ‘new normal’ conditions, we appeal to our customers to connect to our sewer lines or have their septic tanks desludged. Doing so will help protect our environment, as well as the health of our families and communities,” chief operating officer Randolph Estrellado said.

Maynilad is encouraging its customers in sewered areas to apply for a sewer connection so their wastewater could be conveyed directly to the sewage treatment plants.

A4

LGUs

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020 lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor

‘Probe women selling bodies via e-commerce’

By Rio N. Araja

MAJOR AWARDEE. The resort town of El Nido was recently recognized by the Department of Tourism for being named as one of the Best Travel Destinations by TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, and Condé Nast Traveller for its Hidden Beach as among the world’s best. Located in northern Palawan, it is also part of the province’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which has been voted as World’s Best Island by Travel + Leisure for 2020. Various tourism groups, entities and individuals were also feted at the annual Mimaropa Region Tourism Appreciation and Recognition Day for helping repatriate stranded foreign and local tourists when the nationwide coronavirus lockdown was imposed.

El Nido Resorts, which operates three luxury island resorts (including the diver-friendly Miniloc Island Resort, pictured here), has been organizing bubble trips since July, while the municipal government officially reopened tourist activities on Oct. 1 to help restore travel confidence and reboot the local tourism industry. Lualhati Perez

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Thursday urged authorities to investigate a possibility of online prostitution using legitimate e-commerce websites to ply the illegal trade.

Belmonte said it was brought to her attention that racy photos of women now invade the testimonial section of a product, particularly women’s dresses and undergarments.

She added she found it strange for these women to post photos of themselves wearing underwear and other revealing dresses as testimonial for a product.

“I smell something fishy here. It seems syndicates have found a new way to take advantage of legitimate websites to do their illegal activity,” the mayor said.

“I call on the police to carefully look into this.

We should not just ignore this kind of activity that destroys the morality of our society,” she added.

Belmonte appealed to the Philippine National Police to include the matter in its monitoring of social media sites while they look for quarantine violators.

Police have been instructed to activate their social media networking team to pro-actively monitor viral health protocol violations.

Belmonte has been an advocate of women’s rights since she was still the vice mayor and the city council’s presiding officer.

BARMM deals out land holdings to Moros Samsung 321 app update lists 29k LGU emergency numbers C

By Nash B. Maulana

LAST April, the SAMSUNG 321 app introduced a COVID-19 Hotline feature to help users with their concerns or emergencies related to the pandemic.

Now, the app’s newest update includes a dedicated Local Government tab with more than 29,000 LGU contact details nationwide to assist users with their needs related to their barangays.

Details are also found in the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) website.

Since its launch in 2016, the app enables quick access to a list of validated emergency contact numbers and locations all organized into categories such as Medical Assistance, Red Cross, Police Stations, Fire Stations, National Disaster Hotlines, Motor, and Traffic Assistance, and most recently Local Government.

The Samsung 321 app uses reverse geocoding to detect the user’s current city to list all barangays, displaying the contact details accordingly for convenience.

Calling the available numbers is made easy through the app’s straightforward user interface. By simply selecting a number, the app will proceed with the call directly. Standard mobile carrier rates for calls apply.

Samsung 321’s services must first be enabled through its in-app Welcome page or Settings. This can also be done through the Apps tab in Settings of the user’s Samsung device.

The app comes pre-installed on select Galaxy devices and can also be downloaded on the Google Play Store for gadgets running on Android 5.0 and up.

OTABATO CITY—The land reform program of the Bangsamoro Government forms part of a transitional justice to the Moro people, after having experienced centuries of systematic colonial schemes of “land dispossession.”

Dr. Mohammad Yacob, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Land Reform of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MAFAR-BARMM), said under the Annex Agreement on Normalization, the Terms of Reference (ToR) on the creation of the Transitional Justice Commission (TJRC) have identified “land dispossession” as the main colonial tool of subjugating the Moro people in centuries of “historical injustices.”

It all started with a letter to the US President in January 2003, in which the late Ustadz Salamat Hashim, Founding Chairman the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), sought to “correct the historical injustices” that the colonial powers have reduced the Moro people to in centuries of oppression.

Yacob said the MAFAR had distributed Certification of Land Ownership Award titles for a total of 1,200 hectares of land to

TESDA sets Manila urban farming tack APP UPDATE. The Samsung 321 app’s newest update includes a dedicated Local Government tab with more than 29,000 LGU contact details nationwide to assist users with their needs related to their barangays.

RSC settles unpaid salaries of workers

By Jess Malabanan SAN SIMON, Pampanga—Majority of the 42 laborers who voluntarily resigned at a steel factory here have received their unpaid salaries and wages, enough for their travel back home to Mindanao.

Most of these workers, who were hired through a manpower agency found their way to the Real Steel Corporation as laborers, the firm said in a statement Thursday.

San Simon Police chief Major Greg Santos said the stranded workers were allowed to travel back to their respective destinations in Mindanao after they were provided the necessary documents required by the coronavirus pandemic task force.

pre-assessed farmer-recipients and Agrarian Reform Communities (ARC) in BARMM regionwide.

For 2020, Yacob said, the MAFAR-BARMM aims to completely distribute CLOA titles for some 2,000 hectares to beneficiary ARC farmers, before the year ends.

Yacob said within its legal mandates, the MAFAR-BARMM’s land distribution program is much akin to stories of Moro land repossession, hardly obtained in the past through application petitions with the Bureau of Lands (now Lands Management Bureau), after the American Colonial Government declared all lands in the Philippines, including those in Mindanao, as public domain.

Bangsamoro land reformists, however, have lamented that only few Moro families and mostly non-Muslims have availed of homestead applications mode of land pos-

“Because these people are considered locally stranded individuals (LSIs), we have to assist them in processing their travel authority, medical and quarantine certificates while they were under the custody of the LGU,” said Santos in a phone interview.

RSC earlier said about a dozen of the workers who voluntarily left the company have been absorbed back after they appealed for reinstatement and are working again at the steel plant.

Santos said none of the former RSC workers filed criminal charges against Irwin Chua, the owner of steel plant. He said a few of them filed criminal complaints against Chinese workers at the plant for allegedly inflicting harm on them while at work.

THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in partnership with maritime training center Southern Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS) and the Association of Technical Schools in Manila, Inc. (ATSMI), will spearhead training programs that would introduce urban community agriculture in the busy areas of Manila.

SIMS and ATSMI President Glenn Mark Blasquez PhD, said the project, dubbed as “Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC)”, aims to end armed conflict and poverty in the country, as part of

TESDA’s Food Policy Program 2030, a ground foundation to make sure that the Philippines experiences “zero hunger,” supported by other government agencies.

“Imagine if every barangay in Manila is engaged in Urban Farming, or planted vegetables instead of flowers in Manila’s Parks? That will surely mitigate hunger of poor families within the city,” Blasquez said in a statement.

He said they also plan to collect animal feces in Manila Zoo to use as fertilizers, which will be distributed free in all barangays in the City of Manila to support the urban farming project.

THE City of Paranaque is winning its battle against the coronavirus disease, as it listed the number of active cases down to just 393 as of Thursday.

Mayor Edwin Olivarez said the city’s total number of recoveries from the COVID-19 climbed to 5,526 or 91 percent with

only 393 active cases or 6.5 percent of the city’s 6,070 confirmed cases, including patients with unknown home addresses.

Olivarez said the city’s health department recently freed from confinement at least 548 recovered patients.

The city chief executive, however, reminded his constituents not to be complacent or be upbeat with the recent recovery

IN BRIEF Anti-open defecation drive in Manila Bay THE Manila City government on Wednesday entered into an agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to minimize open defecation affecting the Manila Bay. The supplemental memorandum of agreement was signed by Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and DENR Director for Administrative Services Rolando Castro.

Under the project “Kubeta Ko”, portable toilets will be placed in Parola, Tondo to provide “dignified toilet facilities” to informal settler families (ISFs).

“The City of Manila, a local government unit of the Republic of the Philippines and the capital city of the Philippines, has signified its support to the rehabilitation of Manila Bay especially the provision of dignified temporary toilet facilities for informal settler families,” the agreement reads. Willie Casas

20 houses gutted in Sampaloc fire

URBAN FARMING. The Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) project aims to end armed conflict and poverty in the country, as part of TESDA’s Food Policy Program 2030. The project has already started in Brgy. Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City, Brgy. 178, Zone 19, Maricaban, Pasay City; and will also launch in Brgy. Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, Brgy. Sun Valley, Parañaque City, and Brgy. Fortune in Marikina City.

Parañaque whittles down city’s coronavirus infections to less than 400

By Joel E. Zurbano

session.

One reason was the designation of the Bureau of Lands to exist and serve only in selected office locations, like Manila and Zamboanga City, which were far from majority Moro populated areas.

Moreover, the 1935 Constitution granted only the rights of land possession to citizens of the United States and citizens of the Philippines.

For their part, the Moro people then were largely hesitant to be called a “Filipino,” or much less to declare Philippine citizenship on any official document, as an act contrasting the local tradition.

The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), signed in 2014 between the Philippine Government (GPH) and the MILF, covers a Framework Agreement and Annexes relating to transitional arrangements, wealth sharing, power-sharing and normalization.

The Annex on Normalization contains the creation of a TJRC with a Terms of Reference of tasks to assess and provide recommendations and expert advice to the peace panels regarding “legitimate grievances,” “historical injustices,” “human rights violations and marginalization through land dispossession” of the Bangsamoro people, with the objectives of “healing and reconciliation.”

rate report, and instead continue to follow the health protocols and preventive measures against the dreaded disease.

Olivarez, who chairs the Metro Manila Council, claimed on Wednesday the National Capital Region may shift to the lowest quarantine level by November if the decline in the number of COVID-19 cases in the region is sustained.

“If the trend continues, the decline in cases and recovery reach 90 percent, the local government units in the recovery continue to impose discipline in our constituents, I believe by end of October we can end GCQ (general community quarantine), hopefully, with God’s grace, this coming November we may shift to MGCQ (modified GCQ),” he said.

AROUND 50 families lost their homes on Wednesday night after fire gutted several houses in Sampaloc, Manila.

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) authorities in Manila said the fire started in a house located on Galicia St. in Barangay 401, Sampaloc, around 8 p.m. and reached the third alarm.

The fire was put under control around 9:20 p.m.

According to Sampaloc Fire Station chief Cpt. Hector Agadulin, more than 20 houses were destroyed.

Armando Lawartes, a resident in the area, said he was surprised to see fire in the compound and immediately evacuated the area along with several other residents.

The fire quickly spread as the houses were built on light materials. Fire trucks also had a difficult time entering the compound due to narrow streets, and the fire trucks also ran out of water after a while before the fire was completely put out.

Willie Casas

Opinion How to rectify simulated birth Philippines.

More than 20 years ago, rectifying a simulated birth and legally adopting a foundling will require the filing of three separate court cases. The first case is to cancel the simulated birth certificate. The second case is to judicially declare the child a foundling THE Philippine Congress passed Republic or an abandoned or neglected child, and Act 11222, otherwise known as the Simu- the third case is to legally adopt the child. lated Birth Rectification Act, on February It would be costly to have three successive 21, 2019. This law intends to grant amnes- cases in addition to a possible criminal case ty and allow the correction of the simulat- for simulation of birth against the adopter/s ed birth of a child wherein the simulation under the Article 347 of the Revised Penal was made in the best interest of the child Code.

However in 2009, Republic Act No. and wherein the child has been consistently considered and treated by the person/s who 9523 allowing a certification that a child simulated the birth as his, her or their own is legally available for adoption from the daughter or son (Section 2 (a), R.A. 11222). Department of Social Welfare and DevelThis much-awaited law provides for a sim- opment to be accepted in lieu of a judicial pler and less costly administrative adoption order (Section 8, RA 9523) shortened the proceeding given that the child has been legal process of rectification of simulated living with the person for at least three birth and judicial adoption. Our legislators went a step further years before the efby passing Republic fectivity of the law Act 11222 allow(Section 2 (d), R.A. This law provides ing administrative 11222). adoption with recSimulation of for a simpler and less tification of simubirth refers to the costly administrative lated birth together tampering of the with ten years amcivil registry readoption proceeding nesty for those who cord to make it simulated the birth appear that a child records. This is a was born to a perfirst in Philippine son who is not the child’s biological parent, causing the loss legislation.

Under the administrative adoption proof the true identity and status of the child (Section 4(p), Implementing Rules and cedure, the adopters must be: Filipinos, of Regulations of the of R.A.11222). The law legal age, in possession of full civil capacialso has two additional objectives: (a) fix- ty and legal rights, of good moral character, ing the status and filiation of the child to have not been convicted of a crime involvensure that the child shall be entitled to the ing moral turpitude, emotionally and psyrights of legally adopted children; and (b) chologically capable of caring for children, to exempt those who simulated the birth and in the position to support, educate and record of the child from criminal, civil and care for his or her children and the adoptadministrative liability. The rectification of ed child in keeping with the means of the the birth record together with the adminis- family. In case the adopters are married and trative petition for adoption must be filed one spouse is a foreign national, the foreign within ten years from the effectivity of the national must have been residing in the Philippines for three continuous years prior law (Section 2 (b) and (c), R.A. 11222).

Sometime in the early 2000s, I recall to the filing of the Petition for adoption and meeting a couple who confessed to me application for rectification of simulated that they simulated the birth record of a birth (Section 13, Implementing Rules and foundling to make it appear that the child Regulations of the “Simulated Birth Rectiis their biological child. According to them, fication Act”).

The Petition for administrative adoption they had no choice since it was costly to get legal representation for a court-initiat- with application for rectification of simulated adoption, not to mention that simulating ed birth shall be in the form of an affidavit birth was very swift; all they had to do was and shall be subscribed and sworn on by the to accomplish the birth certificate forms of adopter/s before any person authorized to the foundling and to submit it to the civil administer oath or affirmation. It shall state registry of the place where they claim the the facts necessary to establish the merits of the petition, and the circumstances surchild was born.

However, the couple were not able to rounding the simulation of the birth of the skirt the law. During a visit to a consular of- child. The Petition shall be filed with the lofice of a foreign country in the Philippines cal Social Welfare and Development Office to apply for a migrant visa, the interviewing of the city or municipality where the child consul discovered that, based on the sup- resides (Sections 15 and 19, Implementing posed mother’s medical record, she cannot Rules and Regulations of the “Simulated bear a child. Hence, even if the couple got Birth Rectification Act”). their migrant visas and eventually left the Full version at www.manilastandard.net country, the child needed to be left in the

Southeast Asia’s COVID-19 epicenter and livelihood were affected by the crisis but the persistent rise in confirmed cases of infections simply does not warrant Metro Manila’s graduation from GCQ despite health officials’ claim of a foreseen “flattening of the curve.”

I agree with most of the Metro mayors IN THE face of continued increase in con- who opted for GCQ for another month, firmed Covid-19 cases, we should be thankful hoping and praying for a more definitive President Duterte did not place Metro Manila pattern of decline in the rate of increase of COVID-19 cases. and other coronaviIndeed, there is rus hotbeds under a need to balance Enhanced Comhealth and safemunity Quarantine What did other ty measures with (ECQ) again. countries do to beat steps to reopening Apparently recthe economy. ognizing the need COVID-19 without the On the other to give the econobenefit of a vaccine? hand, I strongly my the chance to oppose the prorecover, the Presposal of some ident heeded the business groups recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to keep the National Capital for the total lifting of the curfew in Metro Region (NCR) under General Community Manila from 10PM through 5AM. Exemptions may be made for workers of Quarantine (GCQ) for another month.

Manong Digong also approved GCQ establishments, offices and factories who for Batangas Province, Bacolod City, Iloilo operate at night.

But we are urging a stricter enforcement of City, Iligan City and Tacloban City. Lanao del Sur Province and Marawi City are un- curfew hours on the streets and public areas against loitering, social gatherings, gambling, der ECQ. We all understand that millions of jobs partying, and drinking alcohol outdoors.

MORE OPINION ONLINE (www.manilastandard.net)

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020

B1

EDITORIAL

Longer economic recession HE economic recession in the Philippines will persist for a longer period of time. With limited public transportation and many areas protecting their borders from each other, it is inconceivable to expect economic activities to go back to their preCOVID-19 levels soon.

T

reduced economic opportunities. Every peso given to the poor and vulnerable families through social assistance theoretically translates into demand for basic goods and services in local communities. The World Bank says this, in turn, supports micro and small enterprises and the government’s recovery efforts.

The state assistance, however, may not be sustainable. It may impair the government’s finances in the long haul.

Economic recovery will hinge largely on a more aggressive reopening. Every single Filipino who is forced to stay home because of limited public transportation will not be able to contribute to consumer spending. Factories and manufacturing companies take their cue on the spending power of the consumers.

Strict quarantine measures that restricted mobility, work-from-home arrangements and closures of workplaces greatly curbed economic activities in the first and second quarters of the year. Authorities, thus, should aggressively reopen the economy now before it is too late.

Authorities should aggressively reopen the economy now before it is too late. will show plenty of empty stalls and much fewer people visiting their favorite hangouts. Many department stores are still closed while fast-food restaurants operate on a skeleton staff.

Ndiamé Diop, World Bank country director for Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, has suggested assistance to the poor and vulnerable families and micro and small enterprises will help cushion the impact of the pandemic and hasten economic recovery in the Philippines. The Philippines, he says, must act now to reduce the impact and strengthen the recovery.

The government’s several aid programs have somehow helped the poor cope up with the pandemic in the face of

The World Bank now sees the economy contracting 6.9 percent this year after averaging a 6.6-percent growth from 2015 to 2019.

The latest projection from the bank is worse than its estimate of -1.9 percent in June.

Our economic managers will not likely contest the dire forecast of the World Bank. A visit to a typical shopping mall

Facebook under fire IT WAS unexpected to hear President Rodrigo Duterte, in his usual Monday night address, scold Facebook for taking down accounts said to be have been created by the Philippine police and military; it was unsurprising behavior, though, for a populist leader who expects things to go his way.

Facebook is very popular in the Philippines, with some 74 million users in the country as of 2019, according to Statista. The number is expected to rise to 88.1 million by 2025. This is a staggering number, considering that the country’s entire population in 2019 was about 108 million. It is the second-largest Facebook market in Southeast Asia.

So it is not unusual, in fact it is only logical, for the police and military to tap the formidable reach of Facebook to disseminate its messages.

Behavior, not content However, when Facebook deleted the questionable accounts, it was not because of their content, but rather for “coordinated inauthentic behavior” (CIB).

In a 2018 video, Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s head of cybersecurity policy, explained that CIB is a “form of abuse” that occurs when “groups of Pages or people work together to mislead others about who they are or what they’re doing…when we take down one of these networks, it’s because of their deceptive behavior. It’s not because of the content they’re sharing.”

This last sentence shoots down the administration’s claim of “censorship” on the part of Facebook. On Tuesday, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, a lawyer, said: “The Philippine government submits it’s a form of censorship.”

Censorship is related to content. What was questioned here was the way the content was being distributed – through ‘fake’ accounts created by entities acting for a particular purpose, as differentiated from the Facebook accounts people open to communicate with friends and family.

In his Sept. 22 report, Gleicher wrote they took down two networks involved in CIB­— one originated in the Philippines, the other in China. The first network “consisted of several clusters of connected activity that relied on fake accounts to evade enforcement, post content, comment, and manage Pages.”

These are the community quarantine violations through which person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 reportedly occurred in different parts of the country.

Under GCQ, we must strive to observe social distancing and health protocols to the letter if we really want to free ourselves from community quarantine restrictions altogether.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the barangay tanod members should strictly enforce the curfew hours, particularly among those 21 years old and younger. They are supposed to stay home, anyway.

It is imperative that the barangay community, particularly the young people, learn the

China at 71

South China Morning Post in 2018 reported that SCL “helped put Philippines’ leader Rodrigo Duterte into office after already influencing voters in dozens of campaigns across the globe, according to media reports and information pulled from the firm’s website.”

Rappler reported two years ago that Cambridge Analytica segmented voters by personality and behavior after collecting their Facebook data. Content to influence voting behavior was then developed specifically targeting those people.

The same news item quoted Cambridge Analytica CEO Alexander Nix as having said, in 2016: “If you know the personality of the people you’re targeting, you can nuance your messaging to resonate more effectively with those key groups.”

(To learn how data harvested from social media accounts is used to create targeted messages, watch the documentary “The Social Dilemma” on Netflix.)

Having benefited from Facebook’s reach, Duterte now chides it for not supporting his administration’s messaging and communication, no matter how egregious its methods.

Media capture This looks like an attempt to effect a sort of “media capture.” The term has been defined by Alina Mungiu-Pippidi, professor of democracy studies at the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, as “a situation in which governments or vested interests networked with politics control the media.”

Duterte has realized, however, that he can’t control Facebook. It’s not likely that the social media giant will budge on this.

And if the President decides to stop Facebook’s operations in the country, its 74 million Filipino users won’t be happy. Not all those accounts are folks sharing cat memes and selfies; many are online sellers trying to eke out meager livelihoods during this pandemic, the response to which his administration has botched.

The lesson here is for the government to create and conduct honest and authentic communication campaigns. In the long run, it’ll be worth it to have behaved with honor.

“Although the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities, our investigation found links to Philippine military and Philippine police,” he added.

In short, the issue of “inauthenticity” was raised because these weren’t regular folks sharing their opinions, but agents acting anonymously amid dishonesty and deceit.

It’s not likely that the social media giant will budge on this.

The other network What was more telling about Duterte’s tirade against Facebook was what he didn’t say about the other network taken down— the one in China.

Gleicher wrote that this other network “posted in Chinese, Filipino and English about global news and current events including Beijing’s interests in the South China Sea, Hong Kong. They had content supportive of President Rodrigo Duterte and of Sarah Duterte’s potential run in the 2022 Presidential election,” among other issues.

Facebook’s investigation of this network “found links to individuals in the Fujian province of China.”

Why was Duterte silent on the propaganda being spread on his and his daughter’s behalf by the Chinese?

Isn’t it ironic What many found ironic about Duterte’s veiled threats against Facebook was that his climb to the presidency was assisted by messages spread there.

Many perceive Duterte’s election campaign in 2016 to have been boosted on Facebook by Strategic Communications Laboratories (SCL), parent company of controversial firm Cambridge Analytica.

*** Still wondering about the missing Philhealth billions. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

facts about the coronavirus pandemic that has affected nearly 34 million people across the globe.

As of Wednesday September 30, the Philippines accounts for a total of 311,694 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Globally we rank 21st in number of cases. There have been 5,504 deaths here.

Note that China, a nation of over 1.4 billion people where the disease began, now ranks 44th with a total of 85,322 cases including 4,634 deaths.

That means we have more COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila—a total of 163,780— than mainland China, more than South Korea (23,889), Thailand (3,564) and Vietnam

(1,094).

Inevitably, we should ask ourselves: What did those other countries do to beat COVID-19 without the benefit of a vaccine?

Was it strong leadership? Or was it the right strategy or mechanism? Or was it the broad support among their people?

Perhaps all of the above played a vital role in their success against COVID-19.

Four months ago, on May 20, we only had 13,221 total cases with 842 deaths but we already ranked first with the most number of COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia.

We still rank no. 1 and could well be known as the epicenter of COVID-19 in the region.

Inseparable father-son tandem

Right or wrong?

PH is Asia’s worst in pandemic management

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net

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CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Description

IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR INSOLVENCY AND LIQUIDATION OF SPOUSES FRANCIS CHUNG BUN SIM AND LUCIA T. CHUNG, SEC. NO. R-QZN-20-05697-CV SPOUSES FRANCIS CHUNG BUN SIM AND LUCIA T. CHUNG, Petitioners. x-------------------------------------------------x

Manila

Location

1.Condominium Units (Units 2013 & 2014)

AIC, Tower, Pasig

Empire Ortigas,

2.Residential Lot, (Block 91 Lot 37)

Eagle Ridge, Gen. Trias, Cavite

Area/Size

TCT/CCT No.

Y e a r Acquired

Acquisition Value

82.23sqm. each ( To t a l : 164.46sqm.)

No Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT) yet

1995

Php7,989,500.00

345sqm.

No TCT yet, (title still for transfer)

1998

Php1,393,500.00

Total

ORDER Before this Court is a verified Petition filed by petitioner spouses Francis Chung Bun Sim and Lucia T. Chung as the majority shareholders and President of CL Metals & Wire Manufacturing Corp. (CL Metals, for brevity), a company engaged in the importation and sale of coppers, which shows compliance with R.A. No. 10142 (Financial Rehabilitation and Insolvency Act of 2010) and the Financial Liquidation and Suspension of Payments Rules of Procedure for Insolvent Debtors (2015), among other things, petitioners spouses Francis Chung Bun Sim and Lucia T. Chung are hereby declared insolvent as their stated debts/liabilities of Php 1,708,159,145.88 are more than their stated total/aggregate assets of Php 48,826,984.70. Consequently, the liquidation of the properties of the petitioners-spouses are hereby ordered, and this court issues this Liquidation Order as follows: 1. Ordering the Deputy Sheriff Ellery Reyes to take possession and control of and safekeep, until the election and appointment of a liquidator, all the properties of the petitioners/debtors, except those that may be exempt by law from execution.

2. Ordering the publication of the verified Petition and this Order once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines, the first publication to be published not earlier than September 15 but not later than September 25, 2020 at the expense of the petitioners.

3. Ordering payments of any claims and conveyance of any property due the petitioners/debtor to the liquidator; 4. Prohibiting any payment by the petitioners/debtors and the transfer of any property by the petitioners/debtors; 5. Directing all creditors to file their claims with the liquidator within the period set by the liquidator after his/her election and appointment;

Company

Number of Shares

CL Metals & Wire Manufacturing Corp.

Book Value Php39,000,000.00

390,000 `

22. The total liabilities of the Petitioners as sureties of CL Metals, which amounts to Php1,708,159,145.88, are substantially greater than their current assets, which is only Php48,826,984.70. Their assets are not sufficient to cover such huge amount of liabilities; 23. Given their current situation wherein petitioner Francis Chung has lost the major source of his revenue, (i.e. the income he earns from CL Metals), not to mention the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, petitioners have no financial means to pay their obligations as sureties; 24. There is no possibility or chance that petitioners can produce the huge amount of Php1,708,159,145.88 since their current income meagerly covers their expenses to sustain the needs of their family17; 25. Thus, Petitioners humbly invoke the rights and benefits available to them under Republic Act No. 10142, otherwise known as the “Financial Rehabilitation and Insolvency Act of 2010” and the “Financial Liquidation and Suspension of Payments Rules of Procedure for Insolvent Debtors of 2015 (FLSP Rules)”; 26. Chapter VI (B), Section 103 of R.A. 10142 of the FRIA Act of 2010 provides as follows: “(B) Voluntary Liquidation

This case is set for hearing on November 16, 2020 at 11:00 o’clock in the morning, for the election by the creditors of a liquidator of the properties of the petitioners/debtors, and for further appropriate proceeding/s. The petitioners are ordered to serve copies of this Order by personal service, within twenty (20) days from date of this Order, to all known creditors at the expense of the petitioners. All creditors and debtors of the petitioners/debtors are directed to submit to this Court within ten (10) days from their receipt of this Order the names of their nominees for the position of liquidator.1

SECTION 103. Application. – An individual debtor whose properties are not sufficient to cover his liabilities, and owing debts exceeding Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00), may apply to be discharged from his debts and liabilities by filing a verified petition with the court of the province or city in which he has resided for six (6) months prior to the filing of such petition. He shall attach to his petition a schedule of debts and liabilities and an inventory of assets. The filing of such petition shall be an act of insolvency.”

SO ORDERED. September 10, 2020, Quezon City, Metro Manila.

27.

MARIA ZORAIDA S. ZABAT TUAZON Presiding Judge

Cc: ATTY. RUFINO V. ABUDA Unit 12-E Molave Tower Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes Penafrancia St., corner Quirino Ave., Extension Paco, Manila SPS. FRANCIS CHUNG BUN SIM and LUCIA T. CHUNG No. 9 Bluebird St., Greenmeadows Subd., Barangay Ugong Norte, Quezon City Sheriff ELLERY REYES RTC, Branch 90, Quezon City

Php9,383,000.00

SHARES OF STOCK

6. Authorizing the payment of administrative expenses as they become due;

On the other hand, Rule 3 (B) Sec. 11 of the FLSP Rules provides: “B. VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION

Sec. 11. WHO MAY FILE PETITION; VENUE; CONTENTS. – An individual debtor whose liabilities exceed his assets and whose debts exceed Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (500,000.00) may file a verified petition for liquidation in the court having jurisdiction over the province or city where he has resided for six (6) months prior to the filing of the petition.”

28. As narrated above, Petitioners’ total liabilities in their capacity as sureties of CL Metals based on the demand letters sent by the aforementioned banks is Php1,708,15,145.88, while the total value of their assets is only Php48,826,984.70. Petitioners’ assets are not sufficient to cover their liabilities as sureties; 29. In view thereof, Petitioners humbly and sincerely pray that they be discharged from all their liabilities as sureties and that their remaining assets and properties not exempt from attachment or execution be assigned and distributed to the creditors-banks;

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH__, QUEZON CITY

30. Petitioners did not acquire any property, nor did they sell, dispose or donate any property, in the immediately preceding two (2) years; 31. Petitioners have no executor contracts and unexpired leases; 32. Pursuant to the FLSP Rules, petitioners nominate the following persons to the position of liquidator:

IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR INSOLVENCY AND LIQUIDATION OF SPOUSES FRANCIS CHUNG BUN SIM AND LUCIA T. CHUNG,

1. Atty. Rico J. De Guzman, CPA 2. Atty. Chris A. Rafal, CPA 3. Atty. Janeth G. Hernandez, CPA

COMMERCIAL CASE NO. R-QZN-20-05697-CV SPOUSES FRANCIS CHUNG BUN SIM AND LUCIA T. CHUNG, Petitioners. x---------------------------------------x

TODAY

P

resident Donald Trump’s administration said late Wednesday the United States will admit a record low of no more than 15,000 refugees over the coming year despite surging global displacement, stepping up its hard line one month before elections.

The State Department announced the number just half an hour before the October 1 start of the 2021 fiscal year, narrowly meeting a deadline set by US law following criticism from lawmakers.

The 15,000 figure -- the maximum who can be admitted over the next 12 months barring a change in administration -- is a further cut from 18,000 last year and down dramatically from more than 100,000 under previous president Barack Obama.

Trump, who has campaigned on fierce denunciations of immigration, already suspended refugee admissions entirely for several months this year citing the Covid-19 pandemic.

Explaining the proposed new numbers, which need formal White House approval, the State Department said the United States wanted to help displaced people “as close to their homes as possible” until they can go back.

“By focusing on ending the conflicts that drive displacement in the first place, and by providing overseas humanitarian assistance to protect and assist displaced people, we can prevent the destabilizing effects of such displacement on affected countries and their neighbors,” a statement said.

Refugee advocates had pleaded with the Trump administration to raise admissions in the face of global conflicts and fresh instability due to the pandemic.

Nearly 80 million people around the world are displaced, double the number a decade ago, according to the UN refugee agency. AFP

PRAYER WHEREFORE, Petitioners respectfully pray of this Honorable Court that Judgment be rendered as follows:

PETITION PETITIONERS SPOUSES FRANCIS CHUNG BUN SIM and LUCIA T. CHUNG, by and through the undersigned counsel, respectfully state that – 1. This is a Petition for Insolvency and Liquidation pursuant to Republic Act No. 10142, otherwise known as the “Financial Rehabilitation and Insolvency Act of 2010 (FRIA)” and the “Financial Liquidation and Suspension of Payments Rules of Procedure for Insolvent Debtors (2015) or the “FLSP Rules”1; 2. Petitioners respectfully pray that they be discharged from liabilities, and their assets, which are not exempt from attachment or execution, be partitioned and distributed among their creditors, in accordance with the rules on preference of credits; 3. Petitioners are married2 to each other, Filipinos, both of legal age and residents of No. 9 Bluebird St., Greenmeadows Subd., Barangay Ugong Norte, Quezon City since February 19823.

1. Upon filing of this Petition: a. DECLARE the instant Petition sufficient in form and substance in accordance with R.A. 10142 (FRIA Act of 2010) and the FLSP Rules; b. ISSUE the necessary Liquidation Order DECLARING the Petitioners Insolvent and ORDERING their liquidation in accordance with Section 112 of R.A. 10142 (FRIA Act of 2010) and Section 2, Rule 4 (A) of the FLSP Rules; c. ORDER the publication of the Liquidation Order together with the Petition and DIRECT the Branch Sheriff to serve copies of the Liquidation Order upon all creditors of the Petitioners; 2. After due notice and hearing, render judgment discharging Petitioners from all their liaibilites as sureties and that their remaining assets and properties not exempt from attachment or execution be assigned and distributed equitably among Petitioner’s creditors.

4. Petitioners may be served with summons, orders, resolutions, notices, processes and other papers by the Honorable Court thru the undersigned counsel;

Other reliefs just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed for.

5. Petitioner Francis Chung Bun Sim is the majority shareholder and President of LC Metals & Wire Manufacturing Corp. (CL Metals for brevity), a company engaged in the importation and sale of coppers;

28 July 2020.

Manila, for Quezon City ATTY. RUFINO V. ABUDA Counsel for the Petitioners Roll No. 60530 PTR No. 9159434; 01.10.20; Manila IBP No. 110846; 01.18.20; Manila IV MCLE Compliance No. VI-0022191 Email: rufino_abuda@yahoo.com 0917-1376890

6. To finance its operation, CL Metals applied for and was granted credit facilities or accommodations by different banks, namely: BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO), Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), China Banking Corporation (Chinabank), Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank) and Asia United Bank Corporation (AUB); 7. As part of the requirements by the said banks, Petitioners-Spouses Francis Chung Bun Sim and Lucia T. Chung were required to sign suretyship agreements to guarantee the performance and payment of the obligations and debts that CL Metals may avail under the credit facilities granted to it;

Unit 12-E Molave Tower, Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes Peñafrancia St. corner Quirino Ave.,Extension, Paco, Manila

8. This practice was consistently done and required by the bank. Petitioner-Spouses chung were always required to sign surety agreements to guarantee all the credit facilities granted to and availed of

by CL Metals; 9. However, in 2018 and 2019, CL Metals encountered business difficulties and thereafter incurred losses until it can no longer pay its debts and obligations to the banks; 10. As consequence, the banks turned to Petitioners, as sureties, for the payment of the unpaid obligations of CL Metals; 11. Thus, sometime in November of 2019, petitioners received a letter from Chinabank demanding them to pay Php200,000.00 in their capacity as sureties of CL Metals4. This was followed by another letter dated January 30, 2020 from Chinabank’s counsel, Alcala Dumlao Alameda Tan Alano & Maningding, demanding the payment of Php292,168,513.74 to their client, Chinabank5; 12. Subsequently, a “Notice of Dishonor and Demand to Pay” dated January 30, 2020 was thereafter received by petitioners from the abovementioned law office on behalf of Chinabank, covering eight (8) checks issued by petitioner Francis Chung Bun Sim to Chinabank as a security to guarantee the payment of CL Metals’ obligation in the amount of Php200,000,000.006;

VERIFIED DECLARATION I, Atty. RUFINO V. ABUDA, hereby declare that, pursuant to and in compliance with Section 3 of Rule of A.M. No. 15-04-06-SC, the Petition for Insolvency and Liquidation submitted electronically (two [2] digitized copies on CDs) in the above-captioned case on 30 July 2020 is a complete and true copy of the document filed with the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City on the same date.

Atty. RUFINO V. ABUDA Counsel for the Petitioners 30 July 2020 SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me a Notary Public in the City of Quezon City this JULY 30 2020, affiant exhibiting to me his IBP I.D. with Roll No. 60530.

Doc. No. 484; Page No. 97; Book No. CXVII; Series of 2020.

13. Then in December of 2019, petitioners received a letter from Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) demanding them to pay the unpaid obligation of CL Metals in the amount of Php430,989,435.69, in their capacity as sureties7; 14. Petitioners also received a letter dated February 04, 2020 from the law office of Jimenea & Partners, on behalf of Asia United Bank Corporation (AUB), demanding the payment of CL Metals’ unpaid obligation in the amount of Php 41,501,356.17, in their capacity as sureties8’; 15. Thereafter, petitioners received another letter dated February 10, 2020 from Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank), demanding them to pay the unpaid obligation of CL Metals in the mount of Php314,180,340.28, in their capacity as sureties9; 16. Then in February 2020, petitioners were sued by BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) for the payment of the unpaid obligation of CL Metals in the amount of Php429,319,500.00, again in their capacity as sureties. The case is now pending before the Regional Trial Court of Makati Branch 132; 17. The total sum being demanded by the abovementioned banks from the petitioners is10: Name of Bank

VERIFICATION WITH CERTIFICATE OF NON-FORUM SHOPPING We, FRANCIS CHUNG BUN SIM and LUCIA T. CHUNG, after being duly sworn to in accordance with law, hereby depose and state: THATWe are the petitioners in the above-captioned case; We have caused the preparation of the foregoing Petition; We hereby attest that the contents thereof are true and correct of our own personal knowledge and based on authentic records.

We have not commenced any similar action or petition involving the same parties in any other Courts, the Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court or any other tribunal or agency exercising quasijudicial function. Should we thereafter learn that a similar action or petition involving the same parties is pending before any other Courts, the Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court or any other tribunal or government agency, we hereto undertake to inform this Honorable Court, or any other Court who may have jurisdiction hereof of such action within a period of five (5) days from knowledge thereof.

Amount Demanded

1. Chinabank

Php200,000,000.00

2. Chinabank

Php292,168,513.74

3. RCBC

Php430,989,435.69

4. Asian United Bank

Php41,501,356.17

5. Metrobank

Php314,180,340.28

6. BDO

Php429,319,500.00 Total

Affiant further sayeth naught.

FRANCIS CHUNG BUN SIM Affiant

LUCIA T. CHUNG Affiant

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this JULY 28, 2020 in the City of Manila; affiants exhibiting to me their – Name

Type of ID and No.

Francis Chung BSG Phil. Passport No. PO149505A Lucia T. Chung Phil. Passport No. PO149503A

Php1,708,159,145.88

Date Issued 05 Sept 2016 05 Sept 2016

Place Issued/ Issuing Authority DFA-NCR East DFA-NCR East

Valid identification documents bearing their photographs and signatures.

18. Since CL Metals can no longer finance its operation and unable to pay its obligations, the said banks are now demanding payment from the Petitioners in their capacity as sureties of CL Metals; 19. Petitioners have no capacity to pay the sum of Php1,708,159,145.88 being demanded by the banks as their sources of income are limited to petitioner Francis Chung Bun Sim’s income and pension as follows: (a)

Monthly Pension from Social Security System (SSS) – Php 15,000.00;

(b)

Compensation from Century Container Corp. – an annual salary of Php631,916.8011 (monthly salary of Php52,676.3912); and

(c)

Revenue that he may derive from CL Metals and Wire Manufacturing Corp. – no revenue in 2019;

20. Petitioner Lucia T. Chung, on the other hand, is a plain housewife with no source of income; 21. Currently, Petitioners’ assets13 are as follows: CASH IN BANK Name of Bank

Trump slashes US refugee admissions to record low Standard

REAL PROPERTIES

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 90, QUEZON CITY

Account Number

Name

&

Account

Present Balance

BDO Unibank, Inc.

Bunsim G. Chung (Francis) Acct. No. 004020161561

Php41,461.0514

RCBC (Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation)

Bun Sim G. Chung Acct. No. 0000007590680746

Php328,058.3415

Bank of the Philippines Island (BPI)

Chung Bun Sim and/or Lucia Chung Acct. No. 4330002528

Php74,465.3116

Total Amount

Php443,984.70

Doc. No. 57; Page No. 13; Book No. XX; Series of 2020.

A.M. No.15-04-06-SC, dated April 21, 2015 Original copy of Petitioners’ Certificate of Marriage (PSA Copy) is hereto attached as ANNEX “A”.

Original copies of the Barangay Certificate of Residence of Petitioners Francis Chung Bun Sim and Lucia T. Chung are hereto attached as ANNEX “B” and ANNEX “B-1”, respectively.

4 Original copy of the demand letter from Chinabank dated November 20, 2019 is hereto attached as ANNEX “C”.

5 Original copy of the demand letter dated January 30, 2020 from the law office of Alcala Dumlao Alameda Tan Alano & Maningding, on behalf of Chinabank, is hereto attached as ANNEX “C-1”.

6 Original copy of the Notice of Dishonor and Demand to Pay dated January 30, 2020 from the law office of Alcala Dumlao Alameda Tan Alano & Maningding, on behalf of Chinabank, is hereto attached as ANNEX “D”.

7 Original copy of the demand letter from RCBC dated December 6, 2019 is hereto attached as ANNEX “E”.

8 Original copy of the demand letter dated February 4, 2020 from Jimenea & Partners, on behalf of Asia United Bank, is hereto attached as ANNEX “F”.

9 Original copy of the demand letter from Metrobank dated February 10, 2020 is hereto attached as ANNEX “G”.

10 A scheduled of Debts and Liabilities, including the List of Petitioners’ Creditors with their addresses and amount of claims” is hereto attached as ANNEX “H” in compliance with the FLSP Rules.

11 Original copy of Petitioner Francis Chung Bun Sim’s Income Tax Return (ITR) or BIR Form 2316 for the year 2019 is hereto attached as ANNEX “I” in compliance with the FLSP Rules.

12 Original copy of Petitioner Francis Chung Bun Sim’s Payslip for July 1-15, 2020 from Century Container Corp. is hereto attached as ANNEX “J”.

13 An Inventory of Petitiioners’ Assets is hereto attached as ANNEX “K” in compliance with the FLSP Rules.

14 A faithful reproduction of Petitioner Francis Chung Bun Sim’s BDO passbook is hereto attached as ANNEX “L”.

15 A faithful reproduction of Petitioner Francis Chung Bun Sim’s RCBC Passbook is hereto attached as ANNEX “M”.

16 A printed copy of the Online Statement of Account of Petitioner’s BPI Account is hereto attached as ANNEX “N” and made an integral part hereof.

17 A Schedule of Petitioners’ Current and Expenditure within three (3) months prior to the filing of the petition is hereto attached as ANNEX “O’ in compliance with the FSP Rules.

1 2 3

(MStandard-Sept. 25 & Oct. 2, 2020)

People hold placards and Armenian flags during a protest organized by the Armenian Youth Federation outside the Azerbaijani Consulate General in Los Angeles on September 30, 2020 to protest what they call Azerbaijan’s “aggression against Armenia and Artsakh.” AFP

Armenia, Azarbaijan continue clashes despite calls for halt Heavy shelling between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces persisted Thursday despite fresh calls from world leaders for an end to days of fighting over the disputed Nagorny Karabakh region.

In the breakaway province’s capital Stepanakert, two explosions were heard around midnight as sirens sounded. Residents said the city had been attacked by drones.

The rival Caucasus nations have been locked in a bitter stalemate over the Karabakh region since the collapse of the Soviet Union when the ethnic Armenian province broke away from Azerbaijan.

The fiercest clashes between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces in years over the breakaway region ignited Sunday and confirmed deaths neared 130 as fighting spilled over into a fifth day.

Azerbaijan’s defenSe ministry said Thursday its forces had carried out “crushing artillery strikes

against Armenian forces’ positions in the occupied territories,” throughout the night.

Separatist officials in Karabakh described the overnight situation along the frontline as “tense” and said both sides exchanged artillery fire.

“The enemy attempted to regroup its troops, but Armenian forces suppressed all such attempts.”

The two sides claim to have inflicted heavy losses on opposing forces and ignored repeated calls from international leaders to halt fighting that carries the threat of drawing in regional powers Turkey and Russia.

Yerevan is in a military alliance of ex-Soviet countries led by Moscow and has accused Turkey of dispatching mercenaries from northern Syria to bolster Azerbaijan’s forces in the Karabakh conflict. AFP

‘Alternate’ Nobel Prize winners honored A Belarusian pro-democracy campaigner, an imprisoned Iranian human rights lawyer, a US civil rights attorney and a Nicaraguan activist on Thursday won a top Swedish honor sometimes called “the alternative Nobel Prize.

Ales Bialiatski of Belarusand his NGO Viasna, Nasrin Sotoudeh of Iran, Bryan Stevenson of the United States and indigenous rights and Environmental activist Lottie Cunningham Wren of Nicaragua share the Right Livelihood Award.

Ole von Uexkull, Executive Director of the Right Livelihood Foundation, said this year’s laureates were united in their” fight

for equality, democracy, justice and freedom.”

“Defying unjust legal systems and dictatorial political regimes, they successfully strengthen human rights, empower civil societies and denounce institutional abuses,” vonUexkullsaid in a statement.

Bialiatski and Viasna were awarded “for their resolute struggle for the realization of democracy and human rights in Belarus.”

Viasna, which translates to Spring, was founded by Bialiatski in 1996 in response to the repression of demonstrations by the government of president Alexander Lukashenko. AFP

Business

B3

FRIday, OCTOBER 2, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market rallies; Uy’s Dito, Chelsea advance PSEi October 1, 2020

TOP GAINERS

T

he stock market rose Tuesday for the second straight day as the government moves to further open up the economy amid an apparent slowdown in COVID-19 cases in the country.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index advanced 80.64 points, or 1.4 percent, to 5,994.87 on a value turnover of P5.4 billion. Losers, however, beat gainers, 108 to 81, with 53 issues unchanged.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases will allow restaurants with dining set-up to operate 24/7 or beyond curfew hours as

the country prepares for looser quarantine restrictions.

Dito CME Holdings Corp. of businessman Dennis Uy, the third major telecommunications firm, climbed 8.2 percent to P5.30, while sister unit Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp. jumped 12.5 percent to P4.96.

NOW Corp. of the Velarde family rose 4.9 percent to P3.45, while International Container Terminal Services Inc. of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., the biggest port operator, advanced 4.8 percent to P115.

The rest of Asian markets started the new trading quarter on a quiet note Thursday with Tokyo closed by a computer glitch and several others shut for holidays, though there were healthy gains elsewhere in the region and Europe on US stimulus hopes.

Wall Street provided a strong lead with all three main indexes ending a torrid September with a rally, which was also helped by a forecast-beating reading on US jobs creation, which bodes well for government figures due Friday.

Buying and selling on Tokyo’s stock exchanges was halted less than half an hour before the open owing to “glitches linked to the delivery of market information,” operator Japan Exchange Group said in a statement. Officials said they were working to ensure business could resume Friday.

The glitch, one of the worst in the exchange’s history, was caused by a “hardware failure” and meant the country’s top indexes—the Nikkei 225 and the Topix—were shut for the entire day.

The issue also affected trade on sev-

eral other exchanges, including in Nagoya and Sapporo, though the Osaka exchange was functioning normally.

JPX is the third-largest exchange in the world by market capitalization, at an estimated $5.1 trillion, including listings outside Tokyo. On an average day, equities worth about $28.5 billion are traded.

Analysts said the glitch was not likely to have a significant immediate impact on the market.

There was also no trade in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul and Taipei owing to public holidays.

Still, Sydney put on one percent, while Singapore, Mumbai and Jakarta rallied more than one percent while there were also gains in Bangkok and Wellington as investors picked up the baton from US traders. With AFP

TOP LOSERS

US bans palm oil imports from Malaysia over abuse issues MOST ACTIVE

Glitch. A man walks past the Tokyo Stock Exchange as trading was halted due to a glitch on the market in Tokyo on October 1,

2020. AFP

Big layoffs looming for beleaguered US airline industry Japan business confidence rises slightly—survey TOKYO, Japan—Confidence among major Japanese manufacturers has recovered marginally after plunging on pandemic woes to its worst level since the global financial crisis, a key survey showed Thursday.

The Bank of Japan’s September Tankan business survey—a quarterly poll of about 10,000 companies—showed a reading of minus 27 among big manufacturers, after recording minus 34 in the previous survey in June.

The latest figure compared with a market consensus of minus 24.

The June figure was the lowest since June 2009 when worldwide financial shocks hammered the planet’s third-largest economy.

The modest recovery “has mainly been driven by an improvement in the Japanese economy, which has been gradually returning to normal following the lifting of the state of emergency in the country and the end of lockdowns in other major nations,” Naoya Oshikubo, senior economist at SuMi TRUST, said in a commentary.

“However, a global–-and consequently Japanese—recovery may be hampered by a second wave of Covid-19,” he warned ahead of the release of the survey.

Japan was struggling with the effects of natural disasters and a hike in consumption tax even before the pandemic crippled the global economy.

Once it hit, there were no mandatory lockdowns in the country, the government instead asking people to stay at home—requests that were largely heeded.

But that, coupled with a shuttering of the country’s borders, battered tourism and consumer spending, with the hospitality industry hit particularly hard.

Confidence among big non-manufacturers improved to minus 12— against a market consensus of minus 9—after plummeting to minus 17 in June from plus 8 in March.

AFP

NEW YORK—Workers from the beleaguered US airline industry were making a last-ditch public appeal this week to coax more money from Capitol Hill power brokers to save their jobs.

The first day of October concludes the period when US carriers that received billions in aid from Congress promised to refrain from laying off workers.

American and United airlines were the first to announce cuts, saying they would begin furloughing 19,000 and 13,000 workers respectively as US officials have failed to reach a deal on fresh aid to the pandemic-hit air travel sector.

A package of loans totaling up to $25 billion to seven US carriers announced Tuesday night by the Treasury Department provides funds for airlines to ride out a prolonged downturn amid the coronavirus, but won’t affect plans for furloughs, airline sources said.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Wednesday on CNBC he was hopeful airlines would postpone layoffs if

congressional leaders can reach a framework for a deal, saying it was “critical” for Congress to act.

While the stalemate in Washington over stimulus has pinched unemployed workers and put public sector employees on notice, vulnerable airline workers have in some ways been the poster children for the impasse.

“Tomorrow, tens of thousands of essential aviation workers will wake up without a job or healthcare and tens of thousands more will be without a paycheck,” Sara Nelson, president of the AFA-CWA flight attendant union, said in a statement.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Mnuchin held talks again Tuesday and agreed to keep negotiating. But a deal is still far from assured.

Since the coronavirus intensified in March, US airlines have been grounding planes and delaying jet deliveries to limit their cash-burn as air travel remains at about only one-third of its level a year ago.

Carriers have struck agreements with unions to spread out work among employees. Tens of thousands of employees have also accepted unpaid leave or early retirement packages to avert the need for involuntary terminations.

Still, the decisions will not be enough to avert all job cuts. Airlines have said they do not expect a full recovery until a vaccine is widely available, which company executives have said may not be until late 2021.

Unions have said 100,000 people or more could be laid off without additional federal aid, but analysts expect a smaller number than that as airlines and unions seek ways to avoid layoffs.

In one such deal, United Airlines on Monday reached an agreement with its pilots union to avert furloughs of 2,850 employees.

Flight attendants and staff in other airport operations are among the 13,000 being laid off.

Southwest Airlines has said it does not plan involuntary job cuts. AFP

WASHINGTON—The United States has banned imports from a Malaysian palm oil giant that supplies household titans like Procter & Gamble and Nestle over concerns its workers face physical and sexual violence and other abuses.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the ban on palm oil imports from FGV Holdings— one of Malaysia’s top producers—on Wednesday following a year-long probe that also found indications the firm was withholding wages and using child labor.

Palm oil is a common ingredient in items ranging from processed foods to cosmetics, with Malaysia and neighboring Indonesia producing 85 percent of the world’s supply.

Activists claim the industry drives the destruction of rainforests to make way for plantations and that its lowpaid foreign workers frequently face abuse.

“The use of forced labor in the production of such a ubiquitous product allows companies to profit from the abuse of vulnerable workers,” said CBP official Brenda Smith.

“These companies are creating unfair competition for legitimately sourced goods and exposing the public to products that fail to meet ethical standards.”

The American decision, which came into force Wednesday, means that all palm oil and palm oil products made

by FGV and related companies are barred from US ports of entry.

The investigation was triggered after a coalition of NGOs filed a complaint against FGV. The company said it was “disappointed” by the move when it had been “taking concrete steps” in recent years to improve standards at its operations.

“FGV does not tolerate any form of human rights infringements or criminal offense in its operations,” it said in a statement. AFP

France set to test ‘flying taxis’ from next year: operators

By Sonia Wolf CORMEILLES-EN-VEXIN―”Flying taxis” will start taking off from an aerodrome north of Paris as soon as next June, operators said, in a trial ahead of a vast tourist influx for the 2024 Olympics.

The experiment will take place at the Pontoise-Cormeilles-en-Vexin aerodrome some 90 minutes northwest of the capital by car, according to a joint announcement by the Ile-de-France region, airports operator Groupe ADP and the RATP public transport agency.

A drone-like, fully-electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle (VTOL) dubbed VoloCity, produced by German company Volocopter, was chosen for the innovative trial with flying taxis in a peri-urban area, they said.

The partners said in a statement they had “decided to bring together all the conditions to make the emergence of this new mode of transport possible to complement the existing modes, whether for the public or for goods.

“Furthermore, the prospect of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games provides an exceptional opportunity to involve an entire industry in order to make Paris Region a leader in the global market of urban air mobility.”

The experiment will depend on the approval of residents, security protocols and air traffic regulations, said the com-

range of 35 kilometers (22 miles).

Volocopter executive Fabien Nestmann said the craft’s makers hoped for full certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency within two to three years.

“We want a demo for the 2024 Olympic Games,” Valerie Pecresse, president of the Ile-de-France region, added at the launch news conference.

But it could take a decade for the project to be rolled out at scale.

“The day that you can buy a ticket (for a flying taxi) on the internet and take one, is more towards 2030, RATP CEO Catherine Guillouard told journalists. AFP Manila

Standard

TODAY

President of French Ile-de-France region Valerie Pecresse (right) and Ratp CEO Catherine Guillouard (left) listen explanation from Florian Reuter, CEO of German start-up Volocopter GmbH, aboard a Volocopter unmanned air taxi transport presented at the Pontoise airport in Cormeilles-en-Vexin on September 30, 2020 as part of the launch of the urban air mobility industry branch. AFP

panies.

In the first half of 2021, arrangements will be made for parking areas, recharging stations and ground markings for the demonstration.

Working with aviation safety agencies, the partners said “parking, takeoff and landing operations as well as operations around the vehicle, whether maintenance or electrical recharging, will be tested in

a real aeronautical environment in June 2021.”

VoloCity is equipped with 18 rotors and nine battery packs. Each can carry two passengers with hand luggage, for a maximum payload of 200 kilogrammes (440 pounds).

2030 rollout It flies at 110 kilometers (68 miles) per hour, at an altitude of 400 to 500 meters (1,312-1,640 feet), with a

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that UNITY REALTY & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION with office address at 701-L State Center Building, Juan Luna Street, Binondo, Manila is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as an Expanding Operator of Domestic Industrial Zone under the Preferred Activity - Infrastructure and Logistics including LGU-PPPs – Domestic Industrial Zone (Pampanga Technopark Phase 2) on a Non-Pioneer status, with project site located at Brgy. Tabun, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-OCT. 2, 2020)

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

B4 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020

Business

BSP maintains borrowing rate at low of 2.25%

PSE clears P41.55-b initial public offering of Converge

By Julito G. Rada

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Monetary Board, the policymaking body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, on Thursday kept the overnight borrowing rate at a record low of 2.25 percent amid the prevailing manageable inflation rate despite the lingering pandemic.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a virtual press briefing Thursday following the conclusion of the board meeting that the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were also kept at 1.75 percent and 2.75 percent, respectively.

“The Monetary Board’s decision is based on the assessment that prevailing monetary policy settings remain appropriate. Latest baseline inflation forecasts show a slightly lower path within the government’s 2-4 percent target range. This reflects the lowerthan-expected inflation in August, the moderation in global crude oil prices and the appreciation of the peso,” Diokno said.

He said the balance of risks to the inflation outlook also continued to lean toward the downside from 2020 until 2022, owing largely to the risk of potential disruptions to domestic and global economic activity amid the ongoing pandemic.

Meanwhile, inflation expectations remain firmly anchored within the inflation target band.

“Given these considerations, the Monetary Board is of the view that a continued pause will allow prior measures by the BSP to further work their way through the economy. The gradual easing of restrictions, along with sustained efforts by the government to protect human health and livelihood, should also help lift market sentiment and aid the recovery of the economy in succeeding months,” he said.

Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila said in the same briefing that the inflation forecasts for 2020 until 2022 were revised. Inflation forecast was revised to 2.3 percent for 2020 from the previous estimate of 2.6 percent; 2.8 percent from 3 percent for 2021; and 3 percent from 3.1 percent for 2022.

Roxas Holdings completes sale of P4.9-b La Carlota sugar mill to URC LISTED sugar and ethanol producer Roxas Holdings Inc. said Thursday it completed the sale of its sugar mill and ethanol facility in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental to Universal Robina Corp. for P4.9 billion.

RHI and URC announced in separate disclosures to the stock exchange the completion of the asset sale on Sept.

30, following the signing and delivery of the definitive sale agreements and performance of all conditions necessary for the closing of the transaction.

Under the agreement, URC will acquire buildings, improvements, machineries and equipment, laboratory equipment, and parcels of land on which these plants, buildings and equipment are located and certain investment properties of RHI that are necessary for the operations of the sugar milling plant in Negros Occidental.

The acquisition will boost URC’s sugar milling capacity. URC’s sugar division operates five mills and three refineries across the Philippines, with a combined milling capacity of 31,000 tons of sugar cane and produces 33,000 bags of refined sugar a day.

RHI said the proceeds from the asset sale would be used to pare down debt.

RHI said it would focus its resources on developing and expanding its sugar milling facility in Batangas.

“With this development, RHI will be able to focus its resources on Central Azucarera Don Pedro, Inc. to meet the discerning sugar requirements of our clients and boost the operations of our ethanol facility, San Carlos Bioenergy Inc.,” RHI chairman Pedro Roxas said.

“We aspire to shape CADPI’s Refinery, strategically situated in Batangas, into a facility with world-class operations that can cater to a larger market,” Roxas said. Jenniffer B. Austria

T

HE Philippine Stock Exchange approved the P41.55-billion initial public offering of Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions Inc. Converge, according to the approved preliminary terms of the offering, will sell up to 1.73 billion common shares at a price of P24 apiece.

The company will sell 480.8 million primary shares with an over-allotment option for another 225.791 million common shares and 1.025 billion in secondary shares. Its shareholders include Comclark Network and Technology Corp. and Coherent Cloud Investments B.V. Converge ICT is expected to have a public float of 23 percent after the IPO, assuming the over-allotment option is fully exercised.

Converge plans to use net proceeds from the primary offering to fund capi-

tal expenditures to accelerate its nationwide fiber network rollout.

Morgan Stanley Asia (Singapore) Pte. and UBS AG Singapore Branch will serve as joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners for the offering, together with Credit Suisse (Singapore) Limited and Merrill Lynch (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. as international joint bookrunners.

Converge ICT tapped BPI Capital Corp. as sole local coordinator and joint local underwriter and BDO Capital & Investment Corp. as joint book runner.

PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon welcomed the company’s IPO. “Internet connectivity is a prime service at this time, with online classes and work from home arrangements due to the pandemic. We are looking forward to the company’s market debut especially as demand for internet connection is expected to remain robust,” said Monzon.

Based on the existing terms, the maiden share offering of Converge could be the biggest share sale in the country since the IP of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. which raised P28 billion in

proceeds in 2013.

Converge ICT will become the second company to conduct an IPO this year. The company started as a small cable television operator in Pampanga before rising as a fiber internet and digital consumer-centric service provider.

It provides fiber optic internet access to subscribers in Metro Manila and the provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas and Pangasinan.

It also plans to venture into the Visayas and Mindanao over the next couple of years.

Converge ICT said last month it would bring ultra-broadband services to Mindanao by deploying Nokia’s fiberto-the-home solution. With the deployment, Converge ICT will connect more than 300,000 homes and businesses to ultra-fast, affordable and reliable broadband services over the next three years.

Nokia’s fiber solution allows Converge ICT to deliver a differentiated broadband service to customers and will play a key role in its ability to seamlessly evolve its network over time.

Converge ICT had 731,563 subscribers in Luzon as of June.

PSE INDEX

Thursday, October 1, 2020

80.64 PTS. 5,944.87

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

1,962,349,070 91,490 5,425,341,845.43 81 108 53

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.4220

Japan

Yen

0.009486

0.4593

UK

Pound

1.292200

62.5709

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129039

6.2483

Switzerland

Franc

1.086720

52.6212

Canada

Dollar

0.750807

36.3556

Singapore

Dollar

0.732601

35.4740

Australia

Dollar

0.716000

34.6702

Bahrain

Dinar

2.651816

128.4062

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266631

12.9108

Brunei

Dollar

0.729927

35.3445

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000067

0.0032

Thailand

Baht

0.031606

1.5304

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.1840

Euro

Euro

1.172500

56.7748

Korea

Won

0.000859

0.0416

China

Yuan

0.146737

7.1053

India

Rupee

0.013594

0.6582

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.240790

11.6595

New Zealand

Dollar

0.661300

32.0215

Taiwan

Dollar

0.034587

1.6748 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF Singapore property platform enters PH

PROPERTY technology platform Ohmyhome of Singapore announced its entry into the Philippines as it aims to corner a significant market share of the local office and residential space market with the goal of realizing P2 billion in transaction value this year.

Ohmyhome chief executive Rhonda Wong said the company was bullish about the Philippine property sector that has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years.

“We can serve more than 50 percent of the housing market in the Philippines. We target about 5,000 to 10,000 transactions over the next few months which could mean multimillion dollars’ worth of transactions,” she said in a virtual soft launch Thursday.

The Philippines is the third Asian country to host Ohmyhome after Singapore and Malaysia. The company created a Philippine team composed of agents and property data experts who handle domestic operations like requests for personal or face-to-face assistance for listings and transactions.

“We are very different from property classified platforms. Our focus is not on advertising but on helping customers transact,” Wong said. Othel V. Campos

Puregold raises P12b from issuance of notes

BANKING EXCELLENCE. Tim Charlton (top left), editor-in-chief of Asian Banking & Finance, hosts a virtual awarding ceremony with BDO Unibank Inc. executives Mario Deriquito (top center), president of BDO Foundation; Albert Yeo, president of BDO Private Bank; Edwin Reyes, executive vice president and transaction banking head of BDO Unibank Inc.; and Eduardo Francisco, president of BDO Capital & Investments Corp. BDO and its two subsidiaries brought home major accolades from Asian Banking and Finance for exemplifying banking excellence.

PH slides to bottom 7 in world digital competitiveness

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Philippines fell two places in the world digital competitiveness ranking this year, behind its peers in Southeast Asia and to the bottom seven of the list, according to the Institute for Management Development.

The Philippines ranked 57th out of 63 economies in the world, or two notches lower than its 2019 ranking of 55th, in the latest survey by the IMD World Competitiveness Center.

“The decline reflects the weakening of the talent and training and education sub-factors. The deterioration of these sub-factors is mainly driven by decreases in the availability internationally,” IMD said.

The world’s digital ranking measures the capacity and readiness of 63 nations to adopt and explore digital technolo-

gies as a key driver for economic transformation in business, government and wider society.

The better a country performs in the rankings, the more competitive are its use of digital technologies.

The rankings are based on three main factors—knowledge which measures the know-how necessary to discover, understand and build new technologies; technology which measures the overall context that enables the development of digital technologies; and future readiness which measures the level of country preparedness to exploit digital transformation, broken down to adaptive attitudes to new technology, business agility and IT integration.

The Philippines was behind Indonesia, which ranked 56th; Thailand, 39th; and Malaysia, 26th.

The top 10 countries in the survey

are the United States, Singapore, Denmark, Sweden, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Netherlands, Korea, Norway and Finland.

This year’s results were colored by COVID-19, causing a sudden and near universal dependence on digital technology.

“The flexibility and adaptability of both individuals and the private sector may also be a large part of the puzzle for countries trying to rebuild their economies from COVID’s battering,” said Christos Cabolis, chief economist of the IMD World Competitiveness Center.

Technology not only affects how businesses perform but also how countries function and prepare for the future.

National governments around the world are investing heavily in their digital economy to enhance value creation and prosperity.

SUPERMARKET chain operator Puregold Price Club Inc. said Thursday it raised P12 billion from the issuance of fixed-rate corporate notes on strong demand from various financial institutions.

Puregold said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the landmark offering was the company’s largest capital market fundraising transaction in its 22-year history.

The corporate notes, issued on Sept. 30, were 1.3-times oversubscribed from universal banks, government financial institutions, foreign banks and an insurance company.

It said that pf the total issue size, P7 billion has a tenor of 7 years and carries an interest rate of 4 percent per annum while P5 billion has a tenor of 10 years with an interest rate of 4.513 percent per annum.

Proceeds from the fund raising activity will be used for Puregold’s growth initiatives.

The company said that despite the pandemic, its expansion plans remained in place. It said the health crisis emphasized the need to go into locations where the company has no presence yet to provide basic goods and essential products to those markets. Jenniffer B. Austria

MPIC approves P5-b share buyback plan INFRASTRUCTURE conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. approved a share buyback program for up to P5 billion to boost shareholder value.

Metro Pacific said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday its board of directors approved the implementation of the share buyback program starting Oct. 2, 2020 until the amount is fully utilized or as may otherwise be determined by its board.

“The purpose for the share buyback program is to enhance and improve shareholder value and to manifest confidence in the company’s value and prospects through the repurchase of its common shares,” Metro Pacific said.

From a 52-week high of P5.20 each, the stock price of Metro Pacific fell to P3.55 per share this week.

Metro Pacific also approved a P5-billion share buyback program in February.

Metro Pacific reported a 63-percent decline in net income to P3 billion in the first half from P8.1 billion in the same period last year. Jenniffer B. Austria

STI execs assure students of quality education

ENVIRONMENT STRATEGIES. Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu (second from right) and Atty. Antonio Oposa (right) discuss environment improvement strategies with (from left) Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Danilo Lim, Rotary Club of Manila president Robert Lim Joseph Jr. and immediate past president Jackie Rodriquez . Rotarians are active in protecting the environment in support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

TOP officials of STI Education Systems Holdings Inc., owner of one of the largest networks of private schools in the Philippines, assured students and parents that it is doing its best to ensure the quality of education amid the “new normal.”

“Our faculty, through continuous and rigorous trainings, are well-equipped to deliver lessons and conduct consultations online,” STI Holdings said in a statement, quoting chairman Eusebio Tanco and president and chief executive Monico Jacob.

The company said by demonstrating its commitment to continuing education amid the new normal, it looks forward to bouncing back from the economic effects of the pandemic.

STI Holdings reported total assets of P15.2 billion for fiscal year 2019-2020.

Based on the company’s annual report submitted to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the assets’ value increased by P384.3 million from P14.8 billion it posted at the end of the previous fiscal year.

The appreciation in asset values was

largely due to the increase in cash and cash equivalents, receivables and property and equipment.

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, went up by P262.2 million to P10.23 billion from P9.96 billion. The increase includes costs of the recently completed STI Academic Center in Legazpi City. The four-story building, which stands on a 4,149-square meter property, can accommodate around 2,500 students.

Prior to the completion of the STI Academic Center Legazpi, four other academic centers were built in Lipa City, Batangas; San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan; Sta. Mesa, Manila; and along EDSA in Pasay City.

STI Holdings released its first sustainability report alongside its annual report for its fiscal year ending March 31, 2020.

In the sustainability report, the company’s subsidiary schools detailed their respective initiatives towards the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

LeBron keeps eye on prize as Lakers win Finals opener MIAMI, United States—LeBron James, seeking a fourth NBA title in his 10th Finals appearance, has no trouble keeping his Los Angeles Lakers’ dominant victory in game one of the 2020 title series in perspective.

The Lakers shook off a slow start to lead the Miami Heat by as many as 32 points on the way to a 116-98 victory in Orlando, Florida, but James insisted it was no time to celebrate.

“The best teacher in life is experience,” James said. “I’ve experienced moments in my career where you have all the momentum in the world and you felt like you had the game under control, and one play here or one play there could change the course of a series or change the course of a game.”

James is still rankled by the memory of game two of the 2011 NBA Finals, when he played alongside Dwyane Wade for the Heat against the Dallas Mavericks.

“D-Wade hits a three right by their bench,” James recalled. “I believe it put us up either 13 or 17.

“From that moment on, Dallas went on a hell of a run and finished it off with a Dirk Nowitzki left-hand layup to steal that game.

“That burns me to this day,” James said, adding that’s why he was already looking forward to seeing where the Lakers can improve before game two against the Heat on Friday.

“I’m extremely amped up about watching the film with our ballclub tomorrow,” he said. “I’m going to watch some tonight obviously by myself, but I’m looking forward to getting together as a group tomorrow.”

While the championship series stage is nothing new to James—or the 16-time champion Lakers franchise— it’s a first for star teammate Anthony Davis.

Davis scored 34 points in an impressive Finals debut, but he, too, said the Lakers should have started and finished the game better.

The underdog heat jumped to a 13-point lead midway through the first quarter. And even after injuries to Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo they were able to narrow the final margin with a solid fourth-quarter performance.

“We have to be able to come out a little bit more aggressive and come out with a little more sense of urgency, and that’s on the starters, especially me and Bron,” Davis said. “But it feels good to get the first game.

“We’re not satisfied. We don’t like how we ended the game. That wasn’t a championship mentality, and you know, we have to be better in that regard.

“We’ll take the win, but we’ll watch film and try to take advantage, as well.” AFP

Sports

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020

C1

LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers glides to the hoop past Miami Heat defenders Jae Crowder (99) and Kelly Olynyk of the Miami Heat during Game One of the NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena in Orlando, Florida. AFP

Growling Tigers studied piggery, farming in Bicol

By Peter Atencio

L

EARNING how to raise pigs and do farming activities, and not basketball training done under a low risk area, comprised most of the tasks of members of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers at a camp in Capuy, Sorsogon last June.

These are among the findings of police authorities when they investigated the allegations surrounding the presence of team members in the province three months ago.

Police Senior Master Sergeant Jungie Vito said this in his report on former Growling Tigers men’s basketball coach Aldin Ayo when he brought the squad members to his hometown.

Vito’s finding was submitted last Sept.

23 to Sorsogon City police chief, Lt. Col. Benito Dipad Jr. “Evidence showed that Mr. Aldin Ayo’s guests stayed in his residence, and had training on piggery and farming in Capuy, West District,” wrote Vito.

The tasks that squad members under-

took went under scrutiny because Sorsogon was under modified general community quarantine at that time. Sports activities were allowed at that time.

And when the team went there, the province of Sorsogon was considered a low-risk locale.

The findings of Vito became the reason why Sorsogon officials and the police found nothing wrong when Ayo and the team visited the province last June.

Because of this Office of the Governor and police authorities in Sorsogon decided to absolve Ayo of any unlawful act.

The findings came out three weeks after Ayo resigned from his post, and the board of directors of the University Athletic As-

sociation of the Philippines indefinitely banned him.

Sorsogon governor Francis Escudero, in a memo issued last Monday, said he agrees with the findings of probers from the Philippine National Police.

According to police investigations, “there is a clear exhibition of legitimate activities undertaken by former UST Head Coach Aldin Ayo.” “Actions performance by former head coach Aldin Ayo is in accordance with the health protocol and guidelines as per existing Interagency Task Force the Management of Infectious Diseases, and that there was no UST-sanctioned team basketball training conducted in the domicile,” of Ayo. Because of this, Escudero wrote that he is clearing Ayo of any liability.

Three weeks ago, the UAAP board cited UST’s finding that Ayo “endangered the health and well-being of the student-athletes under his charge when he conducted the training during a government-declared state of emergency.”

Astros, Yankees advance as Dodgers take series lead LOS ANGELES, United States—The Houston Astros and the New York Yankees booked places in Major League Baseball’s postseason division series on Wednesday (Thursday Philippine time) as the Los Angeles Dodgers opened their playoff campaign with victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

The scandal-tainted Astros secured a meeting against either the Oakland Athletics or Chicago White Sox in their American League divisional round match-up after completing a 2-0 wild card series win over Minnesota Twins at Target Field.

The Astros are the villains of baseball’s abbreviated 60-game campaign this year following the explosive sign-stealing cheating scandal which engulfed the franchise during the close season.

A tense game two was broken open in the seventh inning when Carlos Correa belted a 430-foot homer to give Houston the lead before Kyle Tucker added an insurance run with a single in the top of the ninth.

“People are mad, people don’t want to see us here,” a jubilant Correa said afterwards.

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor

Carlos Correa (1) of the Houston Astros reacts after hitting a home run against the Texas Rangers in the fourth inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. AFP

“What are they going to say now?

We’re a solid team, we won a series on the road in Minnesota. So what are they going to say now.”

The defeat was a crushing end to the season for Minnesota, who had not suf-

fered consecutive home defeats this year before Houston’s back-to-back playoff victories.

It also extended the Twins’ tale of postseason woe to a remarkable 18 straight losses, the worst playoff run

of any team, in any major professional league in any sport in North America.

The Astros were joined in the AL Division Series round on Wednesday by the Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays.

Yankees rally late The Yankees prevailed in a thrilling weather-disrupted game in Cleveland against the Indians, winning a wild game 10-9 to take the best-of-three series 2-0.

A two-run rally in the top of the ninth rescued the Yankees, with Gary Sanchez’s sacrifice fly allowing Mike Tauchman to score to tie the game at 9-9 before D.J. LeMahieu’s single brought home Gio Urshela for winning run.

The Yankees will face the top-seeded Rays in the AL Division Series. Tampa Bay advanced after completing a 2-0 series win over the Toronto Blue Jays, romping to an 8-2 win at Tropicana Field.

Elsewhere Wednesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers began their latest bid for World Series glory with a 4-2 win over the Brewers at Dodger Stadium.

The Dodgers, chasing a first World Series since 1988, were set up for victory after a disastrous opening inning from Brewers starting pitcher Brent Suter. AFP

Karate added to Vietnam SEA Games WITH organizers looking to add more events, karatedo has been included in the list of events that will be played in the 2021 Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.

This brings the tally to 37 scheduled calendar of events in the coming biennial meet.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino said this as he kept tabs on discussions with organizers of the SEA Games.

There were 56 events that were included last year when the country hosted it.

And now, they are waiting for the addition of more when organizers meet anew to finalize their roster, according to Tolentino.

There are proposals to add teqball, esports and sambo.

These are among the events which member countries like Indonesian has proposed.

And organizers of the SEA Games are looking to adding a total of four more sports to the 36 that were already agreed upon. This will increase the total number to 40 if this happens.

The figures reached 36 during a virtual meeting of the 11 Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) members on July 21.

More events could be added as member nations continue to appeal for the inclusion of other sports.

There were a total of 56 events which were contested in the 30th SEA Games edition in the Philippines last year.

This includes the two compulsory sports of athletics and aquatics, which has swimming and diving events.

Peter Atencio

Holm battles Aldana at UFC on ESPN

By Reuel Vidal FORMER UFC women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm battles Irene Aldana in the main event of UFC on ESPN to be held Sunday, October 4, 2020 at the Flash Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Holm failed in her bid to regain the UFC crown after being knocked out by reigning champion Amanda Nunes at UFC 239 held July last year. She hopes a victory over Aldana propels her back to contention for the title.

“My goal is to have the title. I want to retire with the title. I’m truly a big believer in the fact that if you’re not fighting for a title then what are you fighting for? If you’re not trying to be number one, then what are you fighting for? That’s the difference

between somebody who just wants to the participation ribbon or the gold medal. So, I’m always going for gold,” said Holm in the pre-fight interview.

Holm said she is not underestimating the skills of Aldana who she considers a formidable opponent.

“My biggest thing is, the only way to get there is to make the best statement with this fight and I can’t be thinking past my opponent right now. So that’s what I’m gonna do. Make the most of this fight and go from there,” said Holm.

Holm and Aldana will be the first women’s fight to headline a UFC card in the middle east. It’s an honor that Holm is only happy to receive. She is after all a frequent pioneer in her career.

“I like to be part of anything that’s history-making. One of the things that I’ve

always wanted to do was do things that haven’t been done before so I thought: ‘You know what. I want to be the first person to have world titles in boxing and MMA. I want to be the first female to this. I love to be able to have a challenge to do something that hasn’t been done before. Well here we are. A little part of history,” said Holm.

In a battle of big boys Yorgan De Castro and Carlos Felipe try to bounce back from losses when they battle at heavyweight in the co-main event of the card.

Other fights in the main card include Germaine De Randamie taking on Julianna Pena at women’s bantamweight; Kyler Phillips facing Cameron Else at bantamweight; and Dequan Townsend battling Dusko Todorovic at middleweight.

Holly Holm (left) connects with a kick to the chest of Raquel Pennington in this file photo of their fight held during UFC 246 on January 18, 2020. AFP

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Sports

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020

Nadal into French Open 3 round rd

P

ARIS, France—Twelve-time champion Rafael Nadal and women’s top seed Simona Halep eased into the third round Serena Williams suffered another blow in her bid for a 24th Grand Slam title as the American withdrew with an Achilles injury on Wednesday (Thursday Philippine time).

Nadal looked in ominous form as he stepped up his pursuit of Roger Federer’s 20 major titles with a crushing win over 236th-ranked American Mackenzie McDonald.

The Spaniard batted aside McDonald 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 and will meet Stefano Travaglia of Italy for a spot in the last 16.

“Today was not that cold, so that’s the main thing. Not that cold, the conditions are not that bad,” said Nadal, who has described the defence of his title at a tournament postponed four months by the coronavirus pandemic as his toughest yet.

“When you win like today it’s not bad, it means you don’t make many mistakes and manage to make a difference,” he added.

The 39-year-old Williams, a three-time winner at Roland Garros, pulled out ahead of her second round match against Tsvetana Pironkova citing the injury that prompted her to skip the Rome tune-up event.

“The Achilles didn’t have enough time to heal after the US Open,” said Williams, who admitted last week she was not fully fit after her run to the semi-finals in New York.

“I’m struggling to walk, so that’s kind of a telltale sign that I should try to recover.”

The injury likely means she will miss the rest of 2020, leaving the Australian Open in 2021 as her next chance to equal Margaret Court’s all-time majors record.

“I need four to six weeks of sitting and doing nothing,” she said. “It’s more than likely that I won’t play another

tournament this year.”

Her decision to pull out handed Pironkova a walkover and left Williams searching for a first major since the last of her 23 titles at Melbourne in 2017.

“I always give 100 percent, everyone knows that. Maybe even more than 100 if that’s possible. I take solace in that,” she told reporters.

“I think the Achilles is a real injury that you don’t want to play with because that is not good if it gets worse.”

The 34-year-old Nadal needs one more major to pull level with long-time rival Federer and owns an astonishing 95-2 record in Paris going back to his triumph on debut in 2005.

Women’s favorite and 2018 champion Simona Halep beat compatriot Irina-Camelia Begu 6-3, 6-4 to extend her careerbest winning streak to 16 matches.

However, her next opponent is American 25th seed Amanda Anisimova, the teenager who dumped Halep out in straight sets in last year’s quarter-finals.

“I remember the match from last year,

I remember also that I didn’t play what I wanted, so I will do some changes and I will just try to play better and to take my chance,” said Halep.

Bertens wins stormy Errani tussle US Open champion Dominic Thiem swept into the third round with a 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) victory over American qualifier Jack Sock, saving three set points to close out the match.

The Austrian third seed will play Norway’s Casper Ruud for a place in the last 16.

“I’m very happy with my game in the first two rounds. It was not an easy draw at all and I’m very happy not to drop a set,” said Thiem, who defeated 2014 US Open winner Marin Cilic in round one.

Sixth seed Alexander Zverev was taken the distance by home hope PierreHugues Herbert but advanced 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-4.

Dutch fifth seed Kiki Bertens had to be taken off court in a wheelchair after a tetchy win over former finalist Sara Errani. AFP

Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Belarus’ Egor Gerasimov during their men’s singles first round tennis match at the Philippe Chatrier court on Day 2 of The Roland Garros 2020 French Open tennis tournament in Paris on September 28, 2020. AFP

Bruised Butler vows to bounce back after Lakers mauling ORLANDO, United States—Jimmy Butler called on his battered and bruised Miami Heat team-mates to toughen up after their game one mauling by the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals on Wednesday (Thursday Philippine time).

Miami talisman Butler was one of several players who picked up knocks during an emphatic 116-98 defeat in Orlando which saw key Heat players Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo both exit with injuries.

Butler played down the significance of his twisted ankle, and said the team would have to recover with or without Dragic in game two.

“We just got to be tougher,” Butler said. “We got to put up more of a fight.

I don’t think we did that. And then it doesn’t help whenever we don’t make shots.

“It’s been that way all year long, whenever we start to miss a couple shots, we don’t do what we’re supposed to do on the other end.”

Unconfirmed reports on Wednesday said Dragic had suffered a torn plantar fascia, a foot injury which would almost certainly rule him out of the remainder of the best-of-seven series.

A defiant Butler said Miami had enough depth to counter the loss of the Slovenian shooting guard if confirmed.

“We got to try to cover up what he gives us and make up for it,” Butler said.

“We’re capable of it. We have to be. Moving forward with or without Goran we better hurry up and tie it up 1-1.”

Butler meanwhile said Miami were clear on what needed to be improved.

“We talk about how damn near perfect that we have to play, and that was nowhere near it,” he said.

“There’s nothing to be said. We can watch all the film in the world, we understand, we know what we did not do.

“We didn’t rebound, we didn’t make them miss any shots, we didn’t get back, all of those things led to the deficit that we put ourselves in.”

Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said a string of mistakes had left his team with too much ground to make up as the Lakers surged into a 32-point lead at one stage.

“There were too many possessions where it was either a poor offensive possession or a miss that led to a couple of poor possessions defensively or vice versa, and those stacked on top of each other,” he said.

“We’re much better than we showed tonight. I don’t have my message right now, but I’ve got a night to figure it out.” AFP

cent warned that the league was concerned that the “wearing of protective equipment is still not universal,” creating an “unnecessary risk to game day participants”.

“Both our own and independent medical advisors have emphasized the need to remain vigilant and disciplined in following the processes and protocols put in place by agreement with the NFL Players Association as well as by state and local governments,” Vincent wrote.

“We are only through Week 3 of the season. If we are to play a full and uninterrupted season, we all must remain committed to our efforts to mitigate the risk of transmission of the virus.

“Inconsistent adherence to health and safety protocols, such as wearing

MEMBERS of Philippine Basketball Association teams shared positive feedback on the safety protocols upon arrival at Quest Hotel in Clark, Pampanga for the league’s bubble.

Alaska Aces Head Coach Jeff Cariaso praised the smooth entry and hotel accommodation in his tweet saying, “Safety protocols set upon arrival at Quest Hotel were very organized and efficient. Isolation time while we wait for our swab results.”

Players of other teams likewise expressed their approval of the health and safety protocols put in place to protect everyone involved.

“Everything was handled smoothly naman. Nakakatuwa kasi we had our first experience talaga on how this bubble would look like. And perhaps with the management of Mimosa, of Quest Hotel, and of course, the PBA, maayos naman. Lahat nasunod. Lahat ng mga sinabi nila sa media were strictly followed: from sa pagbaba namin sa bus, sa gamit namin. Things are looking bright as the restart is about to begin so nakakatuwa naman,” NLEX Road Warriors’ Kiefer Ravena said in an interview with the online show “2OT.” The 12 teams of PBA arrived in Clark by batches on September 28 and 29. The players and team staff were assessed by health workers at the clinical triage area, while their bags were disinfected. They were then required to scan the hotel’s QR code using the StaySafe.ph contact tracing application, before they were allowed entry to the hotel.

The bubble participants were subjected to RT-PCR tests, and were advised to stay in their respective rooms while they waited for the test results to ensure safety of all the teams.

“The rules and the protocols are set to be followed for a reason. You want to make sure that everybody, even their staff maintains proper hygiene, social distancing with face shield, face mask. Ito ‘yung bagay na ayaw mong maging careless kasi isang mali, baka matigil lahat. Mabuting nang safe para tuloy-tuloy ang balik ng liga,” Ravena added.

GM Paragua rules Balinas memorial chess tournament

Jimmy Butler (22) of the Miami Heat drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Game One of the NBA Finals on September 30, 2020 at The AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. AFP

NFL warns teams face suspensions in virus crackdown NEW YORK, United States—The NFL warned teams on Wednesday (Thursday Philippine time) they could face tougher penalties for future violations of coronavirus safety protocols as the league was forced to postpone a regular season fixture for the first time.

In a memo sent to all 32 teams concerning the issue of face coverings, NFL vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said teams risked suspensions and forfeiture of draft picks if protocols were breached.

The league has already issued fines totaling more than $1 million after several coaches were seen not wearing face coverings on the sidelines during the opening weeks of the new season.

In his memo sent Wednesday, Vin-

PBA teams praise safety protocols at Quest Hotel

face coverings and observing physical distancing requirements will put the 2020 season at risk.

“A failure to adhere to the negotiated protocols or to government directives can have an adverse impact on both other players or staff members of your club, and of other clubs as well.

“Selective or inconsistent compliance threatens to undermine fan confidence in our health and safety protocols and the competitive fairness and integrity of the NFL season.”

The latest league warning came as the NFL was forced to reschedule Sunday’s fixture between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans.

The game will now take place on either Monday or Tuesday next week.

The postponement came after the Titans revealed eight employees—

three players and five members of staff—had tested positive for COVID-19.

It is the first significant outbreak of the virus to hit the new NFL season, which got under way earlier this month with teams playing at their own stadiums rather than in an NBA-style “bubble”.

Vincent, who has already sent two league-wide warnings about the importance of abiding by safety protocols, said in his latest memo on Wednesday that the league would continue to crack down on violations.

“We will continue to address lack of compliance with accountability measures that may also include suspensions of persons involved, and/or the forfeiture of a draft choice(s),” he wrote. AFP

UNITED States-based Grandmasters Mark Paragua, Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. and International Master Paulo Bersamina showed why they are three of the top Filipino woodpushers at present after a 1-2-3 finish in the online GM and Atty. Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Death Anniversary Memorial Chess Tournament last weekend at lichess.org.

The New York-based Paragua took the title with 17.5 points out of a possible 21 to go home with P10,000 plus PH Agila t-shirt. Chandler, Arizona Barcenilla ended up with 16.5 points to receive P4,500 plus PH Agila tshirt. The pride of Pasay City Bersamina finished with 16 points to bring home P3,000 plus PH Agila t-shirt.

Rodriguez, Rizal resident Chester Neil Reyes, meantime tallied a similar 16 points and got P1,500 for fourth place. “ I would like to thank my family and friends for their continuous support that has been shown to me in my professional chess career. I will forever be grateful,” said the 1998 World Rapid Under-14 champion Disneyland, Paris, France champion Paragua who won all Balinas online event in this time of pandemic.

These include GM Balinas Memorial Chess last July 19, the 81st Birthday Celebration of Engr. Antonio “Uncle Paps” Balinas last August 22 and the 79th Birthday Celebration of GM and Atty. Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. last September 6.

“Lastly, I’m thankful to Dr. Joe Balinas and Engr. Antonio Balinas for supporting PH online chess tournament in this time of pandemic and especially to God who gave my skills and talent,” said the amiable Paragua.

The one-day event was sponsored

by Bethesda, Maryland, USA-based frontliner Dr. Joe Balinas and his older brother engineer Antonio “Uncle Paps” Balinas. It attracted 569 wood pushers worldwide. It was organized

by Bayanihan Chess Club headed by AGM Marlon Bernardino and Genghis K. Imperial.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020

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Zephanie scores spot on multiple music playlists on Spotify

Zephanie demonstrates her maturity as a singer through the single ‘Sabihin Mo Na Lang Kasi.’

TEEN singer Zephanie landed on Spotify’s local editorial playlists through her newest single “Sabihin Mo Na Lang Kasi,” taking a spot on multiple music playlists that train the spotlight on rising and leading OPM songs.

“I was kind of worried if people would like it since it’s different from my other singles. But when I started receiving and seeing comments about my song, it was such a relief that people liked it,” the young artist shared.

The sentimental acoustic track is currently featured in Spotify Philippines’ “OPM Rising” and “Pinoy Love Ballad” editorial playlists that promote new releases by OPM artists and rounds up ‘light and sugary’ OPM tracks respectively.

It also previously enjoyed inclusion in “Tatak Pinoy” editorial playlist which lists down the current leading OPM songs.

“Sabihin Mo Na Lang Kasi” is unlike the “Idol PH” winner’s earlier releases, as it tackles not the bliss of young love, but its looming end. It’s a brave take on an impending breakup, with the singer provoking her partner, to be honest about what he truly feels about their relationship.

Prior to her latest single, the talented vocalist sang the theme song of the Star Cinema film James and Pat and Dave with her catchy version of Gloc9’s “Simpleng Tao,” which succeeded her third release, “Pangako Ko.” Meanwhile, Zephanie teased upcoming projects

that she will be busy with for the remaining months of 2020, including the possibility of reviving more OPM songs due to the success of her YouTube song covers.

“Before I had my original songs, doing song covers on YouTube was something I usually did and it’s amazing that people can discover or listen to anyone who wants to share their own version or style of a song,” she explained. “I want to try my best to be one of the artists who keeps our OPM alive.”

Zephanie’s performance video of “Sabihin Mo Na Lang Kasi” is now available on Star Music’s YouTube channel and on various digital streaming services.

D

ESPITE the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gabay Guro ensures that the Filipino teachers will be given tribute for all their hard work and sacrifices through PLDT Smart Foundation’s annual Gabay Guro Grand Gathering.

Happening for the first time in a virtual landscape, this year’s teachers’ tribute “Digitalization: Transitioning to a Better Normal” is streaming live at 3:00 p.m. tomorrow, Oct. 3, via Gabay Guro’s Facebook page and Youtube Channel.

"Our teachers are the pillars of education.

Amid the new normal, they pave the way for our children to have the best learning opportunities. It is through our Grand Gathering that we pay homage to the important role they play in transforming the lives of the next generation,” said Gabay Guro Chairperson Chaye Cabal-Revilla.

A day of world-class music and performances by the country’s best and brightest, the grand gathering is hosted by Edu Manzano, Iza Calzado and Xian Lim. It is headlined by Sharon Cuneta and her daughters Frankie and Miel Pangilinan, Gabby Concepcion, Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid and daughter Leila, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Karylle, Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, Piolo Pascual and son Inigo, Bea Alonzo, Ian Veneracion, Lani Misalucha, Jed Madela, Jaya, Jona, Derek Ramsay, Dingdong Avanzado and daughter Jayda, Maymay Entrata, Edward Barbers, Kyla, KZ Tandingan, Sam Concepcion, Juris, Julie Anne San Jose, Mark Bautista, Joey G., Luke Mijares, Jinky Vidal, Klarisse, Ebe Dancel, Paolo Santos, Zephanie Dimaranan, TNT Boys, Nyoy Volante, Raimund Marasigan, Teddy Corpuz, Randy Santiago, Christian Bautista, Jugs Jugueta, and brothers Rayver and Rodjun Cruz , and Ella Cruz.

With the event happening in the digital landscape, Gabay Guro reaches out to more teachers across the country. The event is expected to draw in over 50,000 teachers nationwide. Teachers may join the Grand Gathering by downloading the Gabay Guro App. By registering, teachers will have a chance to win some of the exciting prizes.

A lot of exciting prizes await our dear teachers. Some of these include a lot of cash prizes from PLDT Managers

Gabay Guro concert is headlined by Regine Velasquez, Gabby Concepcion, Jona, Pops Fernandez, and some of the local entertainment top artists.

Biggest local stars gather

on virtual stage via tribute concert for teachers Club Inc. (MCI), Metro Pacific Water, Paymaya, Telescoop, PECCA, Devant, Metro Pacific Water and RCBC, a Chery Tiggo from Chery Auto Philippines, laptops from Asus and SGV Foundation, tablets from PWC, Prepaid Home Wifi units, SmartBro Pocket Wifi units, air condition units from Condura, accident and COVID insurance from InLife Sheroes, mobile phones from Smart and TNT, wifi repeaters from Huawei, gift certificates from Dunkin Donut and Penshoppe and a lot of gift packs.

Apart from the top-notch performances, these special prizes are some of the most awaited parts of the Grand Gathering – all thanks to the untiring support of Gabay Guro’s sponsors: Adarna Books, Aveda PH, Kora Organics, Betadine, Boysen Paints, Cornerstone Entertainment Inc., EcoNest, International Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Bioderm Soap, Everclean Ethyl Alcohol, Lecit-E Vitamins and Efficascent Relaxing Oil), Jolly, Klean Kanteen, La Filipina, Safeguard, Pascual Laboratories, Inc. (Potencee Adult and Potencee Plus Non Acidic Vitamin C plus Zinc Syrup), Peerless Brands (Calla Detergent, Champion Detergent, and Hana Shampoo), Phil Care, Phil Life, Rudy Project, and ULSSI (pH Care, Celeteque, and Swish).

Since 2007, Gabay Guro has been

The virtual concert also features different collaborations including performances from tandems like MayWard.

empowering teachers across the country through its seven key pillars: Classroom Donations, Connectivity and Computerization, Scholarships; Teachers’ Trainings; Livelihood Programs; Digital Innovation; and the Teacher’s Tribute.

Since its founding, Gabay Guro has

built and donated over 55 classrooms nationwide and provided over 2,000 scholarship grants through its partner schools which have been equipped with new computers and broadband connectivity. Of its scholars, 1,047 have graduated, with 325 finishing with honors.

Let ‘The Clash’ begin

The Clash masters Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz (right)

WHILE almost everyone is turning to the digital landscapes, GMA Network is doing something different for the viewers and fans of the annual reality singing search, The Clash. Though auditions were held virtually, live performances are happening in a studio complete with the presence of the hosts and panelists.

In a virtual interview with Manila Standard Entertainment, host Julie Anne San Jose gave us a glimpse of what people can expect from the show that is having its third season premiere tomorrow night.

“In terms of format, there’s no much change but of course, given the situation we are facing right now, only a few people are allowed in the studio, there’s no live audience as well. It’s a bit difficult but the network wanted to ensure the safety of everyone, from the staff and crew to the contestants in the show,” Julie shared.

“The stage would look bigger for sure as we observe social distancing. We have added a few segments that will serve as an important part of the show,” the singer added.

A new breed of talented contenders will battle it out towards becoming the next singing sensation on this alloriginal musical competition, which is known for its exciting twists at every round. This season promises fiercer and tougher singing face-offs.

Joining Julie is fellow Clash Master, Rayver Cruz, and Journey Hosts Rita Daniela and Ken Chan.

For Rita learning the contestants’ off-cam stories is something that she is glad to share with the viewers.

“I’m more than happy because I get to work again with the people that I love. I really can’t wait to hear all the wonderful stories of our Clashers. I’m excited to be their ate.”

Likewise, Ken is also looking forward to meeting the new group of Clashers. “I miss talking and bonding with Clashers and their family. This season, I’m excited to know more of the stories that they are about to share.”

NICKIE Taking their seats anew as The Clash WANG Panel are Lani Misalucha, Christian Bautista, and AiAi Delas Alas.

“I always look for someone with a certain uniqueness in his/her voice, someone who sings with genuine emotion, and has impressive stage presence and an amazing personality,” Lani said. “I’m absolutely excited to see and experience what's going to happen in this season.”

For Christian, the vocal battles will be even more intense, “The intensity of judging, guiding, and constructively building new champions is very exciting. It will really be more intense and nervewracking for the contestants because we are facing tough times right now.”

Aiai, in turn, is also stoked to be back in the studio, “We are in the ‘new normal,’ we have the opportunity to do things differently and better. The Clash is always big, and I’m sure it will be even bigger ngayon dahil sa mahuhusay na contestants. Hindi lang ako excited, I am ablaze with energy para sa The Clash Season 3!”

The Clash Season 3, which airs Saturday (7:15 p.m.) and Sunday (7:45 p.m.) on GMA-7, in under the direction of Louie Ignacio and musical arrangements by Marc Lopez.

Stay updated with The Clash via its official social media accounts on www.facebook.com/theclash, www. twitter.com/GMATheClash, and www.instagram.com/ gmatheclash.

VERY WANG

Gabay Guro has also proudly produced 840 Licensure Examination for Teachers passers as of 2019.

Over the years, more than 60,000 educators have also benefitted from Gabay Guro's twelve (12) regular training programs including: Teacher’s Treasure Chest; English Proficiency Program; Personality Development; Emotional Intelligence; Teachers’Armor; Leadership Training; IT Sustainability, and Literacy; and Unleashing Creativity in Teaching and more. Gabay Guro also links schools to communities and industries through workshops and seminars. This helps promote an innovative mindset and unlocks opportunities for teachers, school leaders, and staff.

For the past years, Gabay Guro travels across the country to bring more smiles to educators with a series of regional Teacherfest events, a localized tribute program for teachers, including Ilocos Norte, Bulacan, Cebu, Butuan, Bataan, Navotas, and a lot more.

Gabay Guro’s efforts have also been recognized by various award-giving bodies in the Philippines and abroad including Gawad Tanglaw, Anvil Awards, Philippine Quill Awards, Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA) Awards, and the CMO Asia Awards in Singapore.

Life

Bernadette Lunas, Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020

Chocolate Hills in Bohol

Sabang Mangrove Forest in Palawan

Boracay

Manila Cathedral

Filipinos dream of Boracay And other local destinations for adventures

By Monica Sanchez

F

KEEPING IT LOCAL.

Boracay tops the travel wishlist of Filipinos traveling with families and groups.

(Photo by Jack Jarilla)

ILIPINOS cooped up at home for months now are dreaming of going to Boracay, a booking platform reveals.

Good news for them because starting this October, the world-class island in Aklan is now open to tourists from areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Kids and the elderly are also allowed to enter Boracay. Tourists, however, have to get a negative result from an RTPCR (swab) test 48 hours prior to their date of travel.

Based on Agoda.com’s top searched data for travel till year end, local desti-

nations take the biggest slice of the pie when it comes to Pinoys’ travel wishlist.

Family and group travelers are looking to go to Boracay, while couples and solo tourists want to explore Manila.

Batangas, Cebu, Bohol, and Palawan likewise figure prominently across different demographics.

Among the four demographics, travelers planning to go as a group are most keen to travel domestically with all their top 10 most searched destinations within the country (Boracay, Batangas, Manila,

Davao City, Tagaytay, Siargao, Palawan, Cebu, Angeles/Clark, and Cavite).

While majority of Filipinos are keeping it local, some groups are also looking forward to overseas adventures—which are mostly in Asia—in Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul, Osaka, and Tokyo.

“While Agoda’s search data have seen a shift toward domestic destinations as regulations are being eased for domestic travel, people are still dreaming about international adventures,” said

Tim Hughes, vice president of corporate development at Agoda.

He continued, “What Agoda’s data show us is there is still a hunger to travel. People are keen on exploring their own countries whether alone, with family, or with friends. They are also looking forward to visiting their dream international destinations too once it’s safe to do so, and are looking for the best deals for when that time comes.

Globally, most searched destinations

on the platform for overseas adventures are Taiwan, Thailand, and Japan.

According to Agoda, Taiwan tops the travel escape search list among all different traveler groups—from couples to solo travelers, and families or groups, beating last year’s champ—Thailand, which came in as the second most searched destination.

Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea round out the top five, while the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Indonesia complete the top 10.

Finding our way through GPS TV GLOBAL Positioning System or GPS is a navigation system using satellites, a receiver, and algorithms to synchronize location, velocity, and time data for air, sea, and land travel. It is a powerful and dependable tool for determining location, navigating from one point to another, tracking a movement, mapping specific areas, and recording precise timing.

The use of GPS systems is now very common, as it may be found in cars, smartphones, or even in watches. In fact, when this system is in place, one can easily be tracked while driving from one city to another.

With the tourism industry currently in the doldrums, the stakeholders have been itching, during all these quarantine months, to do something productive and earn their keep. But, with the tourism industries of other countries also bogged down by the same fate, there is a general and overwhelming feeling of helplessness, frustration, and of being lost.

But those of us in the industry wouldn’t have lasted in this highly competitive global arena if we didn’t have this common denominator—fire in our belly!

Giving up is never a part of our vocabulary. Just like a junkyard dog, we continue to dig for morsels of opportunities that could eventually benefit us.

True to form, the 150-member Hotel Sales and Marketing Association

(HSMA), led by its dynamic and indefatigable President Christine Ann Ibarreta, recently launched GPS (Go Philippines, Soar high) TV. It is a unique online tourism magazine show which is produced in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).

Serving as an online travel buddy, this new on-stream production gives direction to potential holidaymakers by keeping them well-informed on attractive promos and new destinations, whetting their appetite for travel and, eventually, propelling local tourism to greater heights.

Just like the global navigation tool, GPS TV maps out the recommended chartered course for tourism stakeholders and benefit-laden destinations for tourists.

The 1.5-hour show will be live streaming three times weekly on HSMA’s Facebook page (@GPSTVofficialph) and on its YouTube channel (GPSTV). It will have different guest hosts weekly, as the association collaborates with thought leaders, influencers, and tourism industry experts.

This new online attraction will have four segments, the first one being Safe Getaways, where new destinations reached by land, air, and sea expeditions will be featured. Guests will also share their travel adventures, unique experiences, and insights on what they look forward to when they embark on their journey. This segment will certainly cater to the Gen Z, the adventure seekers.

The second segment is Your Stories where featured guests will relate their life challenges and how this pandemic has made them stronger and wiser through creative, interesting ideas. They

weekly…with our loud battle cry: GPS TV! GPS TV! GPS TV!

Christine Ann Ibarreta is HSMA’s dynamic and indefatigable president

will also talk about innovative concepts on livelihood, food, fashion, and even on making relationships last. This is geared towards the millennials, young entrepreneurs, OFWs and their families.

Snapshots is the third segment featuring vloggers who will highlight destinations, people, culture, food, arts, music, flora and fauna, and other interesting tidbits. This part of the show will also include ambush interviews of holidaymakers and residents of the community where the featured tourist destination is. It is expected to attract the young professionals.

The show’s last segment is Journeys, highlighting an hotelier or a traveler, and an insight into a local attraction through the eyes of an industry expert.

There will also be a feature on the great outdoors and modern day living which definitely will attract anybody who has an appetite for travel and adventure.

Aside from myself, two other personalities were invited as panelists during GPS TV’s launch: singer and TV star Kuh Ledesma who owns

SUP Central Tours owner Michi Calica-Sotto offers stand-up paddleboarding tours.

Hacienda Isabella, a landmark resort rich in history in Indang, Cavite, and top bridal gown and couture designer Michi Calica-Sotto who owns SUP Central Tours in Coron, Palawan, which specializes in stand-up paddleboarding tours.

Ledesma, a devout Christian, narrated how the pandemic severely affected her resort’s business and that, the day after her prayer session with the staff, she received a booking for more than 200 long-staying OFWs, filling up all her guestrooms until now. Calica-Sotto shared with the audience how stand-up paddleboarding has become popular with local tourists, especially the adventure seekers among the millennials.

With this brave move of HSMA helping our industry find direction towards regaining our pre-COVID success, no doubt we will soon be back to our days of wine and roses, our days of sunshine and laughter, which this pandemic unceremoniously snatched away from us. Let us support HSMA’s bold new project by going online thrice

YOUR WEEKEND CHUCKLE FOR THOSE OUT OF SHAPE: Begin with a 5-pound potato bag in each hand. Extend your hand from your sides for a full minute, then relax. Do it 10 times a day. After a few weeks, move up to a 10-pound potato bag, then, after a few weeks, to a 50-pound potato bag, and after a few weeks, to a 100-pound potato bag.

Once you are confident at that level, START PUTTING POTATOES IN THE BAGS. For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.

Singer and TV star Kuh Ledesma also owns the landmark resort Hacienda Isabella.